Connecticut Enacts New Sports Betting Consumer Protection Laws

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed two new bills into law related to sports betting in the state, including one that requires operators to offer a toll-free support line and another that adds provisions to cheating laws. 

The bills include HB 5229 and SB 296. Other provisions in these bills include restrictions on certain gaming advertising, a study on prediction markets, geolocation requirements, and more. 

Meanwhile, Rep. Maria Horn has concerns with the market, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal has been advocating for more guardrails on sports betting nationwide. This also comes at a time when the state in general is considering changes to its sports betting market. 

More On HB 5229

In HB 5229, there's much more than toll-free customer support. One of the key provisions includes ad restrictions on college campuses. As for the toll-free number, it must be added by July 1. At one point, the bill included a provision that wouldn't allow a withdrawal to be canceled, but that's been removed. 

“Players who request withdrawals aren’t inherently engaging in problematic gambling behavior, yet this bill would treat them similarly to self-excluded individuals — despite no evidence of concerning conduct,” FanDuel senior manager of state government relations, Michael Ventre, said. “From a consumer choice perspective, we believe players should maintain control over their own funds and financial decisions.”

Additionally, there will be a study on prediction markets in general. Platforms that fall under that category include Kalshi and Polymarket. Now, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection will work with the Attorney General, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and two tribes to study the effects on these entities. 

The study is due in February 2027 and will tackle topics such as users under 21 using them, advertisements and their impact on those under 21, impacts on problem gambling, impacts on revenue from licensed operators, and impacts on tax revenue. 

Last year, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection issued a cease-and-desist order to Kalshi, but ultimately decided to delay it after a meeting. 

More On SB 296

As for SB 296, this bill will expand the definition of cheating. It'll now include the rigging of sports betting. The original cheating law was passed in 1998 when, of course, sports betting wasn't around. Specifically, the new law includes match-fixing, collusion, and/or disclosure of confidential information that could provide an advantage. 

This is a Class D felony and carries a prison sentence of up to five years, a $5,000 fine, or both. This will go into effect on October 1.