Connecticut sports betting could see some big changes as five new bills have been proposed in the state legislature. These bills aim to legalize and regulate sports betting in Connecticut, with different approaches and potential implications.
One of the bills, proposed by Senator Cathy Osten, seeks to establish a new regulatory body for sports betting in the state. This would shift control from the Department of Consumer Protection to a new entity, allowing for a more focused approach to overseeing the industry. Another bill, proposed by Senator Brendan Sharkey, aims to allow the state’s two tribal casinos to offer sports betting without needing to renegotiate their gaming compacts with the state.
Meanwhile, Representative Maria Horn’s bill would legalize online sports betting in Connecticut, while Representative Sean Scanlon’s bill proposes a competitive bidding process for licenses to operate sports betting in the state. Lastly, Senator Martin Looney has proposed a bill that would allow for sports betting at off-track betting locations and online platforms.
These bills signal a growing interest in legalizing and regulating sports betting in Connecticut, following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down a federal ban on the activity. Proponents argue that legalizing sports betting would bring in much-needed revenue for the state, while also providing consumer protections and addressing the existing illegal market.
Critics, however, are concerned about the potential negative impacts of increased gambling activity, such as addiction and financial harm. As the legislative session progresses, it will be interesting to see how these bills develop and whether Connecticut will join the growing number of states that have legalized sports betting.
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