Several lawmakers in the state of Connecticut are making an effort to ban online sweepstakes as well as lottery ticket courier services. The Connecticut General Law Committee has filed a Senate Bill that seeks to ban the resale of lottery tickets and ticket couriers delivering lottery tickets to customers. Aside from this, it also seeks to prohibit simulated or real iGaming or sports betting for sweepstakes casino operators.

A new bill introduced in Connecticut could lead to sweeping changes in the state's gambling landscape, specifically targeting lottery ticket courier services and online sweepstakes. The measure, Senate Bill 1235, was filed by the Connecticut General Law Committee and aims to prohibit the resale of lottery tickets and the operation of ticket courier services. Additionally, the bill seeks to ban simulated or real online casino gaming and sports wagering for sweepstakes operators.

The introduction of SB 1235 comes at a time when online sweepstakes and casinos are under increasing regulatory scrutiny. The bill has sparked significant debate, as it could impact multiple gaming and lottery-related businesses operating within the state.

Regulatory crackdown on sweepstakes operators

The proposed legislation follows recent enforcement actions against online sweepstakes companies. In 2024, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection issued a cease-and-desist letter to Virtual Gaming Worlds, the world's biggest sweepstakes casino operator. The DCP accused Virtual Gaming Worlds of operating unlicensed gambling that violated fair trade practices and state laws. In response to the enforcement action, VGW ceased its operations in Connecticut.

SB 1235 explicitly targets sweepstakes that do not involve the sale of goods, property, or services. If passed, it would grant state authorities the power to apprehend "any simulated gambling device that is used in a sweepstakes or promotional drawing." Violations of the bill's provisions would be classified as deceptive or unfair trade practices and could result in legal penalties. Furthermore, individuals found guilty of engaging in professional gambling under the proposed legislation could face a Class D felony charge.

Lottery couriers under scrutiny

The bill also takes aim at ticket courier services, which facilitate the purchase and delivery of lottery tickets on behalf of customers. SB 1235 defines a ticket courier as a "for-profit delivery service operated for the purpose of purchasing lottery tickets for games." This provision would effectively ban online ticket courier services like Jackpot.com and Jackpocket from operating in Connecticut.

If enacted, the legislation could significantly impact the online lottery sector by limiting how consumers purchase tickets. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect consumers from unregulated gambling operations, while critics argue that it restricts legitimate businesses and stifles competition in the lottery industry.

A busy legislative period for Connecticut's gambling laws

The introduction of SB 1235 is just one of several gambling-related measures being considered in Connecticut's legislative session. Recently, Representative Tony Scott proposed a series of bills aimed at modifying online sports betting regulations. Among his proposals is House Bill 5564, which seeks to establish a maximum hold percentage for sports wagers. Scott is also advocating for Connecticut to allow betting on college sports within the state, a move that could expand the state's sports betting market.

In addition, Representative Christopher Rosario introduced a separate measure that would regulate and authorize sports betting done in-flight on commercial flights that originate or land in Connecticut. While federal law currently prohibits gambling on commercial flights, it does permit sports betting at airports located within jurisdictions that have legalized such activities.

Both Scott's and Rosario's proposals, along with SB 1235, have been transferred to the General Law Committee for further review. Lawmakers will now assess the potential impacts of these bills on Connecticut's gaming industry and consumer protections. With multiple gambling-related bills under consideration, Connecticut's legislative session is shaping up to be a crucial moment for the future of gaming in the state. The outcome of SB 1235 and related measures could have lasting implications for online gambling, sports betting, and lottery services in Connecticut.