Connecticut is on the verge of outlawing online sweepstakes casinos, following unanimous approval of Senate Bill 1235 by both chambers of the state legislature.
Connecticut SB 1235 Will Ban Sweepstakes Casinos, Ticket Courier Services
The bill passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday with a 146-0 vote, just days after clearing the Senate 36-0. It now awaits the signature of Governor Ned Lamont. If signed, the ban will go into effect Oct. 1.
SB 1235 would prohibit lottery ticket resales and ticket courier services, modify the Commissioner of Consumer Protection’s disciplinary authority concerning gaming licensees, require vendor and affiliate licensees to provide books and records, prohibit certain advertising, and authorize certain bets on boxing and mixed martial arts.
In addition, the measure would modify provisions concerning wagers on sporting events involving Connecticut intercollegiate teams, and provide that “certain persons conducting sweepstakes or promotional drawings shall not allow or facilitate participation in certain real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.”
However, promotions will be allowed if the prizes are non-cash and only serve as discounts on grocery purchases at retailers with five or more locations.
SB 1235 Will Increase Criminal Penalties
Any person who engages in illegal gambling would also be guilty of a Class D felony. Those crimes are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) supports the bill. DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said the measure would “benefit the department by improving our regulatory oversight of the gaming industry.”
Several major sweepstakes platforms, including VGW and Stake, have already withdrawn from Connecticut, as state lawmakers and regulators continue their crack down on sweeps sites.
In March, Connecticut pressed more than 1,000 criminal charges against sweeps operator High 5 Games for offering illegal gambling to residents. The DCP’s Gaming Division also suspended the operator’s state license as a service provider of online slot content.
Connecticut could become the second state to officially ban online sweepstakes casinos this year, joining Montana. Other states with similar bills include Louisiana, Nevada, New York, and New Jersey.