Connecticut Senate Approves Sweeping Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos and Lottery Couriers
Connecticut’s Senate has unanimously passed a bill to ban online sweepstakes casinos and third-party lottery couriers. Senate Bill 1235, introduced by the General Law Committee, was approved 36-0 on May 22. The bill now heads to the House, with the legislative session ending on June 4.
State Moves to Stop Lottery Couriers and Ticket Resellers
The bill bars anyone from running a ticket courier service or reselling lottery tickets in Connecticut. Lawmakers say these services operate outside of state oversight. Other states, including Texas, have also questioned the role of third-party couriers.
Online sweepstakes casinos often use two types of currency. Players get free coins but can win prizes redeemable for cash. These sites avoid gambling laws while drawing customers away from legal operators. In 2023, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) told Virtual Gaming Worlds and High 5 Games to stop offering services in the state. High 5 players lost nearly $938,000—108 of them were on the exclusion list.
Retail chains can still run promotional sweepstakes linked to food sales, but only if prizes are non-cash, such as discounts.
DCP Gains More Authority to Enforce Rules
The bill strengthens the DCP’s ability to act. It allows the agency to suspend licenses, fine operators up to $2,500, and demand business records. Officials can also seize devices used for simulated gambling. New advertising rules will ban ads aimed at minors or those that make misleading claims.
Any violation of the bill will be treated as an unfair trade practice.
Legal Betting Expands Under New Provisions
Besides bans, the bill allows new legal bets. Wagering on boxing, MMA, and Connecticut college teams will be possible—if tribal gaming compacts are updated and approved federally. The bill also lets the governor sign multi-state gambling agreements for peer-to-peer games like online poker. This change could take effect on July 1, 2025.
In October 2024, Connecticut’s regulated online market hit $31.9 million in monthly revenue. Lawmakers say the bill helps protect that income. By banning unlicensed operators and giving regulators more tools, they hope to keep the market secure and transparent.
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