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Legislation that would overhaul responsible gambling requirements for Connecticut’s online sports betting and iGaming operators is moving forward. On March 11, 2026, the General Law Committee voted 18-2 to advance HB 5229, sending the bill to the House floor for further consideration.
The bill’s progression comes as state and federal lawmakers ramp up scrutiny of the broader gambling landscape, including the rapid rise of unregulated prediction markets.
Debating the ban on withdrawal cancellations
A central pillar of HB 5229 is a ban on the cancellation of withdrawal requests. Proponents argue this “lock” prevents impulsive behavior where players reverse a win to keep gambling.
Chris Grant, executive director of the Lavender Policy Center, testified that being able to undo a withdrawal “instantly” weakens a player’s first step toward disengaging. However, operators like FanDuel and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (partnered with DraftKings) argue the move treats casual players like problem gamblers without evidence of harm.
HB 5038 and the fight over prediction markets
As HB 5229 advances, Gov. Ned Lamont has introduced a companion effort, HB 5038, specifically targeting prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. These platforms, which allow users to trade on the outcome of elections and world events, exploded in popularity over the last year.
The governor’s proposal would:
- Raise the minimum age for these platforms from 18 to 21.
- Strictly prohibit advertising on college campuses.
- Require the Department of Consumer Protection to study the impact of these markets on problem gambling.
The state’s tribal partners have expressed concern that HB 5038 might inadvertently “legitimize” these markets, which they view as unregulated competition to their exclusive gaming rights.
Federal “BETS OFF Act” joins the fray
The debate in Hartford is now echoing in Washington. On March 17, 2026, US Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced the Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions (BETS OFF) Act.
The federal bill seeks to ban wagering on “non-financial” government actions, such as war, terrorism, and assassinations. Murphy noted that such markets create “perverse incentives” for officials and erode public trust.
“We shouldn’t be turning the fundamental moral questions of our country into a rigged video game casino,” Murphy said during the bill’s introduction.
AI and the push for mandadory toll-free support lines
Beyond the withdrawal and prediction market debates, HB 5229 maintains its focus on modernizing—and restricting—technology:
- AI Restrictions: The bill would bar operators from using AI to track bets for the purpose of creating personalized promotions or “microbets.”
- Toll-Free Support: Operators would be required to maintain a toll-free telephone line for customer support. While the Connecticut Lottery already complies, private operators argue that digital chat is more efficient for modern consumers.
May 6 deadline looms for CT gaming reforms
With HB 5229 now filed with the Legislative Commissioners’ Office, the bill is expected to reach a full House vote in April. The legislative session concludes on May 6, 2026.
