Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont made the Nutmeg State the second US market to officially ban online sweepstakes casino operators.
Lawmakers in both Connecticut chambers unanimously passed the prohibition, Senate Bill 1235, 146-0 in the Senate and 36-0 in the House. Lamont signed the ban on sweepstakes casinos last week.
Last month, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte was the first governor to sign such a prohibition. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed his legislature’s bill last week.
Connecticut sweepstakes casino ban
SB 1235 prohibits operating or promoting sweepstakes casinos and promotional devices. It also prohibits “simulated” online casino and sports betting.
The bill makes illegal gambling activity a Class D felony. Violation of the felony carries fines up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison.
The bill does carry an exception for grocery chains offering sweepstakes with store discounts as prizes.
Sweepstakes casino group disappointment
A group representing some of the sweepstakes operators has been vocal in disappointment at the amount of probation legislation moving through the US.
The Social and Promotional Games Association “is frustrated” by Lamont’s signature on SB 1235.
“Unfortunately, Connecticut’s sweeping legislation fails to distinguish between lawful promotional sweepstakes and unregulated gambling, despite the absence of any meaningful evidence of consumer harm,” a statement reads.
“Instead of engaging with operators who prioritize consumer protections, compliance, and responsible standards, lawmakers have chosen a path that will harm innovation, limit consumer choice, and push compliant businesses out of the state.”
Sweepstakes bans that succeeded
Along with Montana and Connecticut, Nevada lawmakers also passed a prohibition bill.
Louisiana lawmakers unanimously passed their ban before Landry vetoed the bill. Landry said the prohibition is not needed.
The New York Senate passed its prohibition, and while the session ends Tuesday, the bill does carry over to the next session. Even so, sweepstakes operators have been ordered to leave the Empire State.
Which states had failed prohibition bills?
Multiple state legislatures set out to prohibit sweepstakes operators, only to see them fall short.
That includes efforts in Mississippi and Maryland after passing their initial chambers.
Florida and Arkansas also fell short after strong starts.
