Connecticut Responsible Gambling: Rules, Regulations & Guidelines

Connecticut has a modern, highly regulated gambling framework that covers online casino gaming, retail and online sports wagering, fantasy contests, keno, and online lottery sales. These activities are overseen primarily through regulations issued by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). 

The state places strong emphasis on voluntary self-exclusion, robust online account controls, clear consumer disclosures, strict advertising standards, and dedicated funding for problem gambling treatment and prevention. Key provisions are set out in Public Act No. 21-23 and related sections of the Connecticut General Statutes and regulations. 

Connecticut’s responsible gambling rules apply across online casino gaming, online and retail sports wagering, fantasy contests, keno, lottery, and casino gaming. These requirements are designed to protect players, uphold integrity, and ensure sustainable growth of the gaming industry. 

At a Glance

Connecticut requires gaming operators to implement comprehensive responsible gambling programs across all gaming formats. Key compliance requirements include: 
 
Player Protection: Statewide voluntary self-exclusion with multiple term options, daily list updates, and robust patron controls for deposits, spending, and time. 
 
Marketing & Advertising: Prohibition on marketing to self-excluded or otherwise barred individuals; broad coverage of marketing channels; and mandatory display of the state helpline message. 
 
On-Property Requirements: Conspicuous posting of problem gambling signage and helpline information in retail sports wagering locations; required display of informational materials; and always-accessible patron protection pages online. 
 
Credit & Financial Controls: Limits on payment methods, monetary caps on credit card use, and layered deposit, spend, and time-based account controls. 
 
Staff Obligations: Mandatory, recurring training for patron-facing employees on problem gambling and responsible gambling policies. 
 
Operational Restrictions: Required session-time displays, break-in-play tools, cancellation of wagers for self-excluded patrons, forfeiture of winnings, and periodic independent reviews focused on responsible play. 
 
Financial Contributions: Dedicated annual funding obligations from master wagering licensees, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and casino partners directed to the Chronic Gamblers Treatment Rehabilitation Account and related programs. 

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1. Self-Exclusion and Player Limits

Connecticut operates a voluntary self-exclusion program for internet gaming and sports wagering, designed to give individuals a way to restrict their access to gambling products.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

Individuals may submit a self-exclusion request through their internet gaming or sports wagering account or another method authorized by the Department of Consumer Protection. The request must include acknowledgements that the individual:

• Will be prohibited from all forms of covered internet gaming and sports wagering during their exclusion period.
• Understands that any winnings or other things of value obtained in violation of self-exclusion are subject to forfeiture.
• Will remain on the self-exclusion list until a removal request is approved after the selected exclusion period has ended.

Self-exclusion terms typically include options for 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime.

Operator Duties and Account Enforcement

Online gaming operators and sports wagering retailers must submit to DCP, on a daily basis, a list of all requests made in the last 36 hours for voluntary self-exclusion and must maintain the voluntary self-exclusion list in a secure, encrypted database. They must:

• Treat all self-exclusion information as confidential and disclose it only as needed to implement the regulations.
• Compare all internet gaming and wagering accounts against the centralized self-exclusion database at least once per day.
• Suspend any account associated with an excluded person within four hours of retrieving each updated list or upon written notice from DCP.

When a self-excluded patron participates in gaming or fantasy contests, any compensation, prize, or winnings must be forfeited. Where possible, forfeited fantasy contest winnings go to the next eligible participants; otherwise, funds are directed to the Chronic Gamblers Treatment Rehabilitation Account. If a patron has a pending sports wager and then self-excludes, the wager must be cancelled and funds returned in line with approved internal controls.

2. Property Signage and Responsible Gaming Disclosures

Connecticut requires clear, conspicuous signage and disclosures to inform patrons about problem gambling risks, available resources, and self-exclusion options.

Retail Sports Wagering Facilities

Each retail sports wagering facility must post responsible gambling signage that:

• Is at least 12″ x 12″ in size.
• Is displayed at the entrance, every ATM or other cash access machine, and the location where wagers are placed.
• Prominently displays the message: “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat” (or equivalent in another language).
• Informs patrons where within the facility they can place themselves on the self-exclusion list.
• States that individuals on the self-exclusion list are barred from collecting winnings or prizes for gaming activities from which they have self-excluded.

Online Patron Protection Page

Online casino gaming and sports wagering operators must maintain an easily accessible patron protection page available during every patron session. This page must include: 

• A prominent problem gambling help message and the state helpline number and website. 
• Direct links to the state problem gambling resources, including the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. 
• A clear statement of the operator’s policy and commitment to responsible gambling. 
• Practical tips for staying within safe limits, information on common myths about gambling, risks associated with gambling, signs of a gambling problem, and rules governing self-imposed limits. 

General Informational Materials

The Commissioner of Consumer Protection prepares and distributes informational materials on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of compulsive gambling. Casino gaming facilities and certain licensed lottery and wagering locations must display these materials at their premises so patrons can easily find help if needed. 

3. Advertising Restrictions

Connecticut imposes strict advertising and marketing standards for gaming operators to reduce harm and protect vulnerable populations.

Protections for Minors

No advertisement for online casino gaming, online sports wagering, or retail sports wagering may:

• Depict any individual under 21 years of age, unless the individual is a professional athlete or collegiate athlete legally profiting from their name and likeness; or 
• Be aimed exclusively or primarily at individuals under 21.

Prohibition on Marketing to Excluded or Barred Individuals 

If a person is on the self-exclusion list or otherwise barred from participating in gaming, licensees may not market gaming-related activities or businesses to that person through phone, mail, text message, email, social media, or any other form of knowingly directed advertising. The self-exclusion list must also be used to suppress direct marketing to excluded individuals.

Content and Recordkeeping Standards

Each licensee is responsible for the content and conduct of all gaming-related advertising or marketing done on its behalf, including by affiliates and third parties. Advertising includes mail and email, telemarketing and text messages, broadcast media, billboards and signage, internet advertising and social media, play-for-free versions of internet games, sponsorships, and referral or rewards programs. 

Licensees must retain copies of all advertising, marketing, and promotional materials, along with logs that show when, where, and how they were distributed. These materials and logs must be provided to the Department of Consumer Protection upon request, and DCP must be granted access to all social media platforms used for gaming-related advertising. 

All gaming-related advertising, marketing, and promotional materials must include a clear responsible gambling message and the state’s problem gambling helpline information.

The Department of Consumer Protection may require removal of any advertisement that could adversely impact the public or the integrity of gaming. Licensees must discontinue such advertisements as quickly as possible, subject to any formal appeal process. 

4. Wager and Time Limits

Connecticut requires robust player control tools to help patrons manage their gambling and reduce the risk of excessive play.

Deposit, Spend, and Time-Based Limits

Master wagering licensees, online gaming operators, online gaming service providers, and sports wagering retailers must allow patrons to set:

• Deposit limits (daily, weekly, or monthly). 
• Spend limits (daily, weekly, or monthly). 
• Time-based limits (maximum session duration per day). 

Self-imposed limitations must be easy and obvious to set and implemented immediately or at the time clearly indicated by the patron. These limits cannot be made less restrictive without at least 24 hours’ notice or any longer period specified by regulation.

Session Time and Pop-Up Messaging

Electronic wagering platforms must either continuously and prominently display the current time and the time elapsed in the current session, or provide periodic pop-up notifications at least every 30 minutes that display the current time, the time elapsed, and the amount wagered since log-on. 

Operators must also conspicuously display on their websites and apps:

• The time an individual has spent on the site or app.
• A means for the individual to initiate a break in play.
• The amount of money available in the patron’s account.

Lifetime Deposit Threshold

When a patron’s lifetime deposits exceed a specified threshold (commonly set at $2,500), the platform must prevent further wagering until the patron acknowledges that they have met the lifetime gaming deposit threshold, understands the availability of responsible gambling tools or account closure, and has read a problem gambling message that includes the state helpline. These acknowledgements must be repeated periodically once the threshold has been met. 

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5. Credit and Financial Controls

Connecticut imposes specific restrictions on how credit and payment methods may be used to fund gambling accounts.

Payment Method Restrictions

Each master wagering licensee, online gaming operator, online gaming service provider, and sports wagering retailer must:

• Limit each patron account to only one debit card or one credit card.
• Place monetary limits on the use of credit cards over specified periods.

These payment restrictions operate alongside the deposit, spend, and time-based limits described in Section 4 to ensure that patrons cannot easily circumvent responsible gambling controls through excessive or fragmented funding sources.

6. Treatment and Research Funding

Connecticut dedicates significant funding to problem gambling treatment, prevention, and research through multiple revenue streams tied to legalized gambling.

Contributions by Master Wagering Licensees

Each master wagering licensee must contribute $500,000 per fiscal year to support problem gambling programs. Contributions may be made to the state for deposit into the Chronic Gamblers Treatment Rehabilitation Account or directly to nonprofit entities with programs supporting problem gambling. If a license is held for only part of a fiscal year, the contribution is reduced on a pro rata basis. Licensees must report annually to the Department of Consumer Protection on how this contribution was allocated.

Lottery and Casino Contributions

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation must transfer $1 million per year from retail and online sports wagering and fantasy contest revenue to the Chronic Gamblers Treatment Rehabilitation Account, with pro rata reductions if operations are active for only part of a year. MMCT Venture, LLC must contribute $300,000 per year to the same account while its casino gaming facility is operational.

Chronic Gamblers Treatment and Rehabilitation Program

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services administers a statewide program for treatment and rehabilitation of chronic gamblers. Funding comes from license fees, lottery and wagering revenues, and the contributions described above. A portion of the funds is set aside for contracts with subregional planning and action councils and nonprofit organizations, and a specified percentage supports the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. All monies are held in a dedicated, nonlapsing account used exclusively for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services related to problem gambling.

7. Employee Training and Internal Procedures

Connecticut requires that gaming operators build responsible gambling considerations into their internal procedures and staff training programs.

Employee Training

Each licensee must train all employees who may have direct contact with patrons—whether in person, by phone, email, or chat—on problem gambling and gambling disorder. Training must occur before the employee begins work in any patron-facing role and at least once per year thereafter. Training content must cover: 

• The licensee’s policies and best practices for responsible gambling.
• How to recognize potential signs of problem gambling.
• The resources and processes for assisting individuals who may be exhibiting problem gambling behaviors.

Patron Protection Procedures

Operators must ensure that patron protection information is readily accessible and integrated into platform design. This includes:

• Information about the risks of excessive participation in gambling and where to obtain help.
• Clear listings of available responsible gambling tools such as self-exclusion, limits, and breaks in play.
• Mechanisms for detecting unauthorized account use and addressing suspicious activity.
• Account statements and summaries that patrons can request on demand, covering deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses, balances, and limit history.

8. Independent Reviews and Impact Studies

Connecticut supplements its responsible gambling requirements with broader oversight and research obligations.

Independent Responsible Play Reviews

At least once every five years, each master wagering licensee must undergo an independent review of its gaming operations for responsible play. The review must be based on recognized industry standards and conducted by a third party approved by the Department of Consumer Protection. The licensee is responsible for the cost of the review and must address any material findings or recommendations. 

Statewide Gambling Impact Studies

The Commissioner of Consumer Protection must periodically conduct studies on the effects of legalized gambling on Connecticut residents. These studies may examine the extent and types of gambling activity in the state and consider whether expansion, reduction, or other changes to legalized gambling are desirable. Studies must be conducted at least once every ten years, with findings reported to the appropriate legislative committees to inform future policy decisions.

Account Transparency and Reporting

Electronic wagering platforms must provide detailed account statements for at least the previous 12 months upon request, as well as summary statements for the life of the account. These statements include deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses, account balances, and changes to self-imposed limits. This transparency supports responsible play and allows regulators to monitor compliance with responsible gambling requirements.

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