Connecticut Governor Signs Sweepstakes Casinos Ban Into Law

The state of Connecticut is the third to pass a bill banning sweepstakes casinos. 

Gov. Ned Lamont signed SB 1235 into law earlier this month. The bill was unanimously passed in both chambers of the legislature. 

Bills banning sweepstakes casinos in Montana, Nevada and New York were approved by their respective governors. 

A bill in Louisiana, meanwhile, saw strong support in the legislature but was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Jeff Landry. 

What is banned under bill?

The ban on sweepstakes says no one can offer anything that even resembles casino gambling without a gambling license issued by the state.

“No person shall conduct or promote a sweepstakes or a promotional drawing authorized by the provisions of section 53-278g that … allows or facilitates participation in any real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering, unless such person is licensed under chapter 229b.”

The bill does, however, allow one carveout. Grocery chains in the state can use a simulated gambling device, provided that the prizes are discounts on groceries and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Sweepstakes casinos a hot topic in 202

While four state legislatures got a sweeps ban across the finish line (including Louisiana’s veto), there were multiple others that saw their ban bills die or get withdrawn:

• Arkansas
• Florida
• Maryland
• Mississippi

New York decided not to wait for a ban bill before it took decisive action. Atty. Gen. Letitia James announced her office sent out 26 cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes brands operating in the state. 

“Online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances,” James said. “I thank the New York State Gaming Commission and Senator Addabbo for partnering with my office on this issue to protect New Yorkers.”