Legislation Senate Bill 1235 -Connecticut Senate approves sweepstakes ban, sends bill to house

The Connecticut Senate has unanimously passed a bill that would ban online sweepstakes casinos, in a move to tighten oversight of digital gambling activity and bolster the state’s regulated market.

Senate Bill 1235, passed by a 36-0 vote on May 22, now heads to the House for consideration before the legislative session concludes on June 4.

The legislation bans sweepstakes or promotional games that use simulated gambling devices or enable participation in real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.

An earlier version of the bill also included a ban on lottery couriers, but that provision was removed via an amendment before the Senate vote. Another provision authorizing the governor to enter into multi-state gaming agreements was also scrapped via the amendment.

Violations would constitute a Class D felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Recommended by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the bill would also expand the agency’s enforcement authority if enacted.

The bill comes amid growing scrutiny of unauthorized online gambling platforms and aims to protect Connecticut’s licensed online gambling operators, which currently include FanDuel and DraftKings through partnerships with Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos. 

Retailers would still be allowed to offer sweepstakes linked to grocery sales, provided no cash prizes are involved.

Connecticut’s proposed crackdown follows similar developments in other states. Montana recently became the first state to formally ban online sweepstakes, while legislative efforts are also advancing in Louisiana and Texas.

https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/05/28/106270-connecticut-senate-approves-sweepstakes-ban-sends-bill-to-house