New Connecticut Sports Betting Bill Would Place New Restrictions on Advertising

The UConn Huskies' second National Championship has inspired a new bill that would reshape the Connecticut sports betting industry. The latest proposal, sponsored by State Representatives Tony Scott (R) and Travis Simms (D), would make two significant changes to the state’s current sports betting law. 

The first would allow wagering on in-state college teams. This move comes after the UConn Huskies’ men’s team won their second consecutive national title, re-joining the women’s team as national powerhouses. Fans will now be able to wage on their impressive college teams, but player prop bets will continue to be prohibited.

The second part of the proposed bill would completely change how sports betting operators, including online sportsbooks, can advertise to Connecticut bettors. If passed, the bill would set the following rules for advertising sportsbooks:

• All advertisements must emphasize the legal betting age (21)

• No images, celebrities, or entertainers endorsing any sports betting

• No misleading claims such as “easy money” or “free money.”

These changes would give them some of the strictest advertising laws in the country.

Both of the changes proposed in this bill have strong support from state legislators and the general public. While there will be some opposition, the call for tighter restrictions on sports betting operators appears to make the passage of this bill (or one like it) a forgone conclusion.

Many States May Follow Connectict’s Lead

The US Congress has been discussing placing further restrictions on advertising sports betting on a federal level. An uptick in problem gambling has caused states to scramble to find solutions. While many states are funneling millions into problem gambling programs, it has done little to stop the issue from growing, leading to many pushing tighter restrictions on advertising.

Connecticut decided to take the issue into its own hands, and it seems likely that other states will follow.