Connecticut lawmakers pass bill restricting online gambling
A bill that restricts how gambling accounts can be funded and how gambling companies market their services in Connecticut was passed after a lengthy debate.
House Bill 5269 passed 100-46, despite some fears that it would not pass before the current legislative session ended.
The bill prohibits using credit cards to fund online gambling accounts and requires account holders to give permission for any charges before they are confirmed. It also targets gambling advertising, making it illegal to advertise financial incentives to encourage gambling.
State Rep. David Rutigliano welcomed the decision, telling CT NewsJunkie, “This is a common-sense approach to some of the problems that we’re seeing throughout society, especially amongst young men and gambling.”
Those against the bill expressed concerns about how this could affect the tribes, believing that the new bill bypassed previous agreements. There was also concern about the lack of consultation with the tribes before the bill was introduced to the House.
State Rep. Anthony Nolan spoke about his concerns regarding the previous agreements made with state tribes, adding, “It just seems like we’re taking something away from them that was negotiated.”
Yet, proponents of the bill reiterate that the legislation does not apply to gambling activities on tribal land, only third-party operators.
In recent news, Connecticut’s gambling regulator, the Department of Consumer Protection, announced that it had reached a deal with igaming operator High 5 Games, allowing the company to continue its operations there.
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