Connecticut is on the cusp of potentially reshaping its sports betting and gaming landscape with a recently proposed bill. Introduced by the Public Safety Committee, the bill seeks various alterations, notably placing restrictions on sports betting advertising and imposing stringent limitations on wagering involving Connecticut college teams.
While Connecticut lawmakers had previously legalized betting, fantasy sports, and online gambling in May 2021, the latest Bill 271 introduces additional measures that reflect emerging trends within the industry. Notably, it aims to institute rigorous regulations for betting advertisements, drawing parallels to existing frameworks in Ontario, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Key provisions of the bill include prohibitions on the use of brand ambassadors and a near-complete ban on advertising sports betting in contexts where "the majority of spectators or participants are under 21 years of age." This amendment particularly targets college sports teams, aligning with recent concerns surrounding betting scandals involving young individuals.
