Connecticut Senate Committee Passes Bill to Ban Sweepstakes
The Connecticut Senate’s General Law Committee has unanimously voted in support of a bill that aims to ban sweepstakes gaming operators, lottery ticket resales, and ticket courier services in the state.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:On Monday, March 24, SB 1235 cleared the Connecticut Senate's General Law Committee with a 22-0 vote. The bill stipulates that operators of sweepstakes or promotional drawings cannot allow or enable participation in real or simulated online gaming or sports betting.
Additionally, SB 1235 elevates the offense of operating an illegal gambling business to a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The proposed legislation grants the Commissioner of Consumer Protection greater authority to regulate gaming licensees. It also imposes stricter record-keeping requirements on vendors and affiliate licensees, bans certain advertising practices, and legalizes specific bets on boxing and mixed martial arts.
In addition to SB 1235, the General Law Committee approved SB 1464, permitting online gaming operators to offer multijurisdictional online gaming for peer-to-peer casino games. The bill also aims to strengthen reporting and disclosure requirements and establish maximum bet limits for online sports wagering.
More Regulation News
Sweepstakes Gaming Faces Uncertain Future
Sweepstakes casinos are online gaming sites that operate under a sweepstakes model. They allow players to engage in casino-style games and win prizes without wagering real money.
Opposition to sweepstakes casinos has recently gained traction across the United States. Legislators in multiple states, including Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York, are actively seeking to prohibit sweepstakes gaming.
Last week, the New York Senate advanced S5935 aimed at shutting down online social casinos and sportsbooks. The bill passed the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee with a unanimous vote and remains to be debated on the Senate floor.
Nevada lawmakers are also weighing a bill that would impose harsher penalties on illegal online gambling operators, including unregulated sweepstakes casinos.
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