Connecticut Lawmakers Advance New Sports Betting Rules

Connecticut legislators have passed two gambling-related measures that are now heading to Governor Ned Lamont for final approval. The two bills, House Bill 5229 and Senate Bill 296, tackle a similar problem through different means. They aim to tighten oversight over the state’s gambling market, limit potential harm, and ensure regulations keep pace with industry developments.

Youth Protection Is a Central Focus

House Bill 5229 focuses on college advertising. The proposed legislation would restrict sportsbook promotions inside college sports venues and on university-run digital platforms. While universities would still have access to general branding and sponsorships, direct betting advertisements aimed at students would face new limits. According to lawmakers, this move should draw a clearer line between higher education and gambling.

College campuses have become a focal point for marketing efforts by betting companies, as recent research suggests that students are feeling overwhelmed by advertisements. By curbing that exposure, the state hopes to reduce early engagement with gambling among younger audiences, especially those below the legal betting age.

Prediction Markets Remain Controversial

While earlier versions of House Bill 5229 included stricter rules on customer withdrawals, those provisions were eventually removed. The final version focuses on advertising limits, consumer access to support services, and a study on prediction markets. The Department of Consumer Protection and the attorney general’s office will study how these platforms affect local consumers.

Connecticut is already wary of prediction markets. The state previously issued cease-and-desist orders against companies such as Kalshi, Crypto.com, and Robinhood, alleging they were offering unlicensed sports betting. The new study would examine whether users under 21 are participating, how these platforms influence problem gambling, and whether they divert revenue from licensed operators.

Insider Betting Now Carries Harsher Penalties

Senate Bill 296, meanwhile, targets the integrity of sports betting. The updated legislation explicitly outlaws match-fixing, collusion, and the misuse of insider information for betting. Special attention is paid to in-state teams, particularly at the college level, where athletes may be more susceptible to outside pressure. Stricter penalties and clearer wording should help close regulatory gaps.

Under the bill, integrity violations would constitute felony offenses, carrying potential prison time and financial penalties. Together with House Bill 5229, the two proposals signal that Connecticut is ready to address new challenges in the sports betting sector, such as aggressive marketing and evolving forms of wagering.  Both measures are widely expected to receive final approval by the Governor.