Bill to Ban Online Sweepstakes, Advances to Senate Vote

Connecticut’s gambling landscape is on the brink of dramatic change.

Senate Bill 1235, which seeks to ban online sweepstakes and lottery couriers, has cleared major legislative hurdles.

This bill could reshape Connecticut’s gambling market, protect consumers, and expand legal betting options.

Let’s break down what’s in the bill, why it matters, and how it could impact the gambling industry.

Connecticut Gambling Shake-Up: Bill to Ban Online Sweepstakes Heads to Senate

3 Key Points

• SB 1235 would ban third-party lottery couriers and online sweepstakes platforms.
• The bill proposes expanding legal betting to Connecticut college sports and multistate gaming compacts.
• Operating illegal gambling businesses would carry Class D felony penalties, including prison time and fines.

The Road to the Senate

Senate Bill 1235 has steadily advanced through Connecticut’s legislative process.
It passed the Judiciary Committee with a 37-0 vote and the Joint Committee on General Law with a 22-0 vote.
Recently, it cleared the Legislative Commissioners’ Office, sending it to the full Senate floor for debate.

Introduced in February by the General Law Committee, the bill has strong backing from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CDCP).
The CDCP argues the law will strengthen consumer protections and improve the integrity of the gambling market.

What the Bill Proposes

SB 1235 targets two main issues:

• Banning lottery couriers that resell tickets online.

• Outlawing online sweepstakes or promotional games that simulate casino or sports betting.

This comes amid concerns about unregulated platforms that skirt Connecticut’s gambling rules, often putting consumers at risk.

However, the bill does not stop at restrictions.
It also proposes expanding the state’s gambling options by:

• Allowing bets on Connecticut college teams.

• Authorizing the governor to enter multijurisdictional gaming compacts, which could include agreements for online poker or shared player pools with other states.

A Tougher Stance on Illegal Gambling

The legislation would classify running an illegal gambling operation as a Class D felony.
This carries serious consequences:

• Up to five years in prison.

• Fines up to $5,000.

The goal is to deter black-market gambling and ensure all operators follow state laws.

Why the Ban on Lottery Couriers Matters

Lottery courier services like Jackpocket and Lotto.com have exploded in popularity across the US.
These platforms let customers buy official lottery tickets online and claim winnings without visiting a store.

However, Connecticut regulators worry about transparency, problem gambling, and compliance issues.
By banning these services, the state hopes to tighten oversight and reduce risks for consumers.

The Broader Gambling Context

Connecticut has been aggressive in modernizing its gambling sector.
In 2021, it legalized online casinos and sports betting, joining a wave of US states expanding gaming options.

Now, with SB 1235, lawmakers are trying to strike a balance between innovation and regulation.
They aim to close legal gaps while creating space for new, state-approved betting opportunities.

What’s Next?

If the Senate passes SB 1235, the bill heads to the Connecticut House for a final vote.
Lawmakers face a tight timeline, as the Connecticut legislative session ends June 4.

Industry stakeholders, consumer advocates, and gambling operators are closely watching the outcome.
If passed, this bill could reshape how gambling operates in the state — and set a precedent for others.

Connecticut’s SB 1235 represents a bold attempt to modernize gambling regulation while enhancing consumer protections.
By banning lottery couriers and online sweepstakes, expanding legal betting options, and toughening penalties, lawmakers are aiming for a safer and more regulated gaming environment.

With the legislative clock ticking, all eyes are now on the Senate floor.
The bill’s outcome could signal the next chapter in Connecticut’s evolving gambling market — one shaped by both innovation and accountability.