Connecticut House Backs Bill to Tighten Online Gambling Rules

Connecticut’s House of Representatives has ed House Bill 5269, a measure designed to restrict how online gambling platforms operate in the state. Approved by a 100-46 vote, the bill aims to ban the use of credit cards for online gaming and curb the use of financial incentives in gambling ments. It now heads to the Senate, though time constraints in the legislative session leave its fate uncertain.

Under the proposal, players would be limited to one debit or credit card per gambling platform, and operators would be required to obtain consent from all holders of t s before processing payments. The bill also prohibits ads that offer bonuses or financial perks to entice players, particularly targeting promotions that appeal to financially vulnerable individuals.

“This is a common-sense approach to some of the problems that we’re seeing throughout society, especially amongst young men and gambling,” said Rep. David Rutigliano, R-Trumbull. He criticized the lack of oversight on t card use, calling it “outrageous” that one spouse could fund a gambling without the other’s knowledge.

Addiction Concerns Drive Legislative Push

ers say the bill addresses mounting concerns over problem gambling, especially among younger demographics. Rep. Ronald Lemar, D-New Haven, cited a University of Connecticut study showing that up to 40% of college students reported gambling-related issues.

Lemar explained the bill’s focus on three key areas: eliminating credit card payments, banning inducement-based advertising, and shielding those under 18 from such promotions. “There’s great evidence that if you just make that one small switch of banning credit cards, you would help a lot of folks who find themselves in increasing levels of debt,” he said.

Rutigliano also challenged the marketing tactics used by gaming companies. “Who is responding to an ad where you only bet five bucks, you get 200 bucks? Somebody who can’t really afford to bet,” he said, warning that such ads often require players to wager far more than d to receive bonuses.

Tribal Partnerships Raise Questions

Some legislators expressed concern that the bill could affect Connecticut’s gaming compacts with its two federally recognized tribes, which operate casinos and partner with third-party online gaming operators.

“It just seems like we’re taking something away from them that was negotiated,” said Rep. Anthony Nolan, D-New London.

However, ers clarified that the bill targets third-party operators—not tribal-run platforms on sovereign land. “Neither of our tribal nation partners actually, at this point in time, have authorized their partners to accept credit cards,” Lemar noted. He added that the goal is to “prohibit the lottery from engaging in this activity” and to build a clear regulatory framework for online gaming statewide.

If ed by the Senate, the new regulations would go into effect October 1.

Settlement Closes Case Against Gaming Firm

In separate news, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protectionhas settled with High 5 Games, ending more than 1,000 criminal charges related to operating a sweepstakes-style casino. The company will pay over $1.4 million and has had its gaming license reinstated. High 5 Games maintains its operations are legal under state and federal law.

Source:

“AN ACT CONCERNING GAMING MENTS AND PERMISSIBLE PAYMENT MECHANISMS FOR ONLINE GAMING S”, cga.ct.gov, Jun 5, 2025