Connecticut lawmakers have approved two sports betting reformmeasures that now await final action from Governor Ned Lamont. The proposals focus on gambling-related misconduct, restrictions on sportsbook advertising connected to colleges, and oversight tied to emerging prediction market platforms.
The legislation comes as Connecticut continues adjusting its betting regulations following the legalization of sports wagering in 2021. Lawmakers said the current legal framework requires updates because existing anti-cheating laws were written long before online sportsbooks and live wagering became common.
Senate Bill 296 and House Bill 5229 both passed with bipartisan support during the legislative session. Supporters described the measures as efforts to strengthen consumer protections and maintain confidence in regulated betting activity across the state.
Lawmakers Target Betting Manipulation And Insider Activity
Senate Bill 296 expands Connecticut’s anti-cheating statute to specifically cover sports betting misconduct. The original law dates back to 1998 and focused on casino games, lottery drawings, and parimutuel wagering.
Under the updated proposal, actions such as match-fixing, collusion, insider betting, and attempts to improperly influence sports wagering outcomes would become felony offenses. Violations could carry penalties of up to five years in prison, fines reaching $5,000, or both.
The House of Representatives approved the measure unanimously on Tuesday after the Senate previously passed the bill by a 36-0 vote on April 29.
Legislators said the expansion became necessary because sports wagering did not exist in Connecticut when the original statute was created. The bill applies only to wagers and conduct occurring within the state.
Lawmakers also placed particular attention on betting involving Connecticut college teams. Officials argued that amateur athletes may face greater vulnerability to outside pressure connected to gambling activity, especially as prop betting markets continue growing nationwide.
College Sportsbook Advertising Faces New Restrictions
House Bill 5229 introduces new limitations on sportsbook advertising tied to colleges and universities. The proposal would prohibit certain sports betting promotions inside athletic venues and across university-operated digital platforms.
The legislation still permits generic sponsorship recognition and branding arrangements. However, lawmakers said they want to reduce direct exposure to sportsbook marketing among students and younger audiences.
Discussions surrounding the bill intensified after a Sacred Heart University study found that students felt overwhelmed by the volume of gambling-related advertising appearing across sports media and campus athletics.
Supporters of the restrictions argued that frequent exposure to betting promotions can normalize gambling behavior, particularly among younger users.
Prediction Markets Remain Under Review
The legislation also calls for additional examination of prediction market platforms such as Kalshi, Crypto.com, and Robinhood. Regulators continue debating whether these services operate as financial products or resemble unauthorized betting systems.
Lawmakers expressed concerns that insufficient oversight could weaken Connecticut’s regulated gaming structure, which relies on age verification rules, tax revenue, and consumer safeguards already applied to licensed sportsbooks.
Officials also raised questions about whether prediction market platforms attract younger users familiar with cryptocurrency trading and app-based financial services.
Many lawmakers expect Governor Lamont to sign both measures because of the strong bipartisan support they received during the legislative process.
If approved, the bills would mark another step in Connecticut’s efforts to update sports betting oversight as the legal wagering market continues expanding.
Source:
“Connecticut moves to criminalize rigging of in-state sports bets due to expanded legalized gambling”, ctpost.com, May 6, 2026
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