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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Connecticut lawmakers advanced SB 381 to require public colleges to run at least one on‑campus problem gambling program each academic year, responding to high student gambling rates.
- With a UConn study showing more than 70% of undergraduates have gambled and 17% reporting moderate problem gambling, the measure addresses a growing national concern as sports betting expands.
Lawmakers and campus advocates are pushing SB 381 after a UConn‑led survey of 1,300 students at 30 Connecticut higher‑education institutions found more than 70% had gambled and 17% reported moderate problem gambling behavior.
The bill would require public colleges to provide “an on‑campus problem gambling program at least once each academic year.” The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee approved the bill 17‑1.
Supporters framed the bill as a prevention measure and a responsible gambling resource. Sen. Derek Slap called it “a good first step” given the “massive expansion of sports betting.” Diana Goode of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling described the proposal as a practical, data‑driven policy that treats gambling harm alongside substance use and mental health prevention.
Student testimonies – including from Nathan Hirschfeld and UConn undergraduate VP Haritha Subramanian – described financial, academic and social harms. The Mohegan Tribe also signaled support for education and early intervention.
Program could reduce stigma of problem gambling
The bill emphasizes prevention and support rather than criminalization. Annual on‑campus programs could increase awareness, provide screening and referrals, and reduce stigma for students seeking help.
Given students’ easy 24/7 access to mobile betting, early intervention programs may be the most practical tool to limit academic disruption, financial strain, and mental health consequences.
For operators and the broader market, the measure increases scrutiny on how sports betting products reach young adults. While the bill doesn’t directly regulate operators, lawmakers and campus groups may press for tighter marketing practices, stronger age‑verification, and voluntary exclusion tools tied to student populations.
Colleges could also demand clearer responsible gambling commitments from industry partners and rethink partnerships that expose students to targeted promotions.
SB 381 now moves to the full Senate.
Based on reporting by Livi Stanford for Hartford Courant.
