Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Connecticut has officially joined Montana in cracking down on online sweepstakes casinos. Governor Ned Lamont signed SB 1235 into law on Wednesday, putting the state in line to enforce the ban starting October 1.
Good to know
- Connecticut becomes the second state to ban sweepstakes casinos.
- Law includes new limits on simulated gambling and online betting.
- Boxing and MMA betting will now be allowed under certain conditions.
The legislative session in Connecticut wrapped up just as the bill cleared its final hurdle. On June 3, SB 1235 received unanimous House support, just one day before the deadline. The bill advanced quickly, and now, with the Governor’s signature, the ban will take effect in early October.
Under the new law, anyone offering a sweepstakes or promotional game must tie it directly to the real sale of goods or services. Operators cannot use simulated gambling machines or run casino-like games—unless they hold a valid license under Connecticut’s gambling laws.
The law also includes new boundaries for legal betting on sports. While the state had already allowed some forms of online wagering, the latest rules now give the green light to boxing and mixed martial arts bets. Wagers on tournaments involving Connecticut college teams are also permitted, but only when at least four teams are involved and bets cover the entire tournament outcome.
5BTC or 111% + 111 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive 111% Welcome Bonus + 111 Free Spins
There was also an early push to include a ban on lottery courier services and resale platforms, but lawmakers removed that part before final approval.
Sweepstakes casinos typically offer gameplay that uses virtual coins, some of which can be purchased using cash or cryptocurrency. Players can then redeem winnings for real money or prizes. Because many of these platforms are unlicensed and operate outside of traditional regulatory structures, they have drawn growing concern from state authorities.
Connecticut’s move follows Montana doing the same last month. As more states consider the issue, others may soon follow.
The post SB 1235 Signed into Law to Block Online Sweepstakes Gambling in Connecticut appeared first on iGaming.org.