Connecticut House of Representatives

  • Representative Tony Scott filed five sports betting bills in Connecticut focused on further sportsbook regulation.
  • Four of the measures are bettor-friendly – something not seen too often in the regulation world.

HARTFORD, Conn. – Less than two weeks into the Connecticut session, Representative Tony Scott of the 112th District introduced a series of legal sports betting bills poised to reshape the industry.

The five bills, introduced this week, signal a shift toward more consumer-friendly regulations in a market that has seen rapid growth since the legalization of sports wagering. With themes of transparency, consumer protection, and fairness, the proposed legislation takes aim at several controversial aspects of sports betting often discussed on X and other social media channels.

Bill No. 5563: Legalizing Bets on Connecticut College Teams

Currently, wagering on Connecticut-based collegiate teams is prohibited, a restriction designed to prevent undue influence and maintain the integrity of local sports. Bill 5563 seeks to amend this by allowing bets on sporting events involving Connecticut collegiate teams.

While the majority of states with legal sports betting are locked into these restrictions, Connecticut is looking to join Virginia and allow the practice.

Why it matters

Supporters argue this bill levels the playing field, allowing them to wager on hometown teams the same way they can on national collegiate events. Opponents worry this could increase risks of improper influence or amplify pressures on student-athletes.

In reality, Connecticut is surrounding by four states (NY, NJ, RI, MA) with mobile betting apps that accept bets on UCONN basketball. The only thing being pressured is the wallets of the Connecticut sportsbooks missing out on local action.

Bill No. 5565: Consumer Opt-Outs for Sports Wagering

This bill requires sports betting licensees to provide bettors with tools to customize their experiences. Bettors could opt out of viewing specific sports, events, or wager types.

Why it matters:

This consumer-centric approach empowers individuals to tailor their experiences, potentially reducing problem gambling by limiting exposure to triggering events. While Bill 5565 would require a resurgence of technology, it’s definitely designed with the player in mind.

Bill No. 5778: Mandating Two-Way Markets

Bill 5778 requires sportsbooks to offer two-way markets for all wagers, meaning bettors must always have the option to bet on either side of an outcome.

Why it matters:

This ensures fairness and eliminates “one-way markets,” where legal sportsbooks limit bets to outcomes they find favorable. For bettors, this change would create more balanced opportunities to wager on anytime touchdown scorers. Instead of just betting on a player to score, you’d also be able to bet a player to NOT score.

Bill No. 5779: Addressing Sports Wagering Errors

This legislation mandates that sportsbooks correct errors before the start of an event. If an error impacts wagers, the retailer must cancel the bets and issue full refunds.

Why it matters:

Betting errors can create chaos for consumers, especially when disputes arise after an event concludes. Prioritizing accountability, Bill 5779 ensures operators promptly address mistakes to protect bettors. We’ve seen too many times a sportsbook cancels an event after it concluded because of “an obvious error”.

Why These Bills Are Important

Connecticut’s sports betting market has grown significantly since its launch in 2021 – taking in over $2 billion in wagers during 2024. But there are clear concerns about transparency, fairness, and problem gambling.

Rep. Scott’s bills directly address these concerns, creating a regulatory framework that prioritizes bettors over operators. While one of his bills does seem to be more operator friendly – Bill No. 5564: Establishing a Maximum Hold Percentage – it’s more about the state having a clear understanding of how much is bet on sports and the revenue / taxes associated with it.

If any of these measures pass, it could set a precedent for other states by redefining how sports betting markets balance profitability with player protection.

These bills could spark debates among lawmakers, and the introduction of them means they now sit in the Joint Committee on General Law to take its second steps.

Want to learn more about Connecticut sports betting and the progress of these bills? Follow us for more information.

  • EDIT: Rep. Scott filed a sixth bill at time of writing. The bill – HB 5568 – would require sportsbooks to post maximum wager limits, another addition to become a more player-friendly betting state.
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