【stake em】Connecticut bill seeks to allow interstate poker liquidity sharing

Bill No. 1464 permits the state’s governor to enter into agreements with other US states, territories, and federally recognised Indian tribes that engage in Indian gaming operations.

This provision would facilitate multi-jurisdictional iGaming for peer-to-peer casino games, primarily targeting online poker.

The bill explicitly requires such agreements to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, and to be restricted to gaming activity conducted within the US.

In addition to the possibility of online poker expansion, the bill proposes a series of regulatory adjustments affecting sports wagering and iGaming in the state. These include:

– Revisions to licensing requirements for online gaming operators, service providers, and sports wagering retailers

– Mandatory disclosure of a toll-free telephone number for customer assistance with electronic wagering platforms

– Enhanced consumer protections, including the ability for users to limit their deposits, control daily spending, and request self-exclusion from betting platforms

– Requirements for operators to correct erroneous betting odds and provide full refunds to affected patrons when such errors occur

Helping online poker grow

The bill’s provision allowing participation in multi-jurisdictional gaming compacts signals a potential shift in Connecticut’s online gaming market.

If passed, Connecticut could join the MSIGA, which currently allows for shared liquidity between Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania may also soon join the agreement.

This move would enable online poker operators within Connecticut to share player pools with other jurisdictions, leading to increased liquidity and potential revenue growth for both operators and the state.

The inclusion of Connecticut in such agreements could make the state — and online poker — more competitive.

The expansion of available player pools could help to enhance game offerings and prize pool, potentially making Connecticut’s iGaming market more attractive while also drawing more players to the game.

Regulatory and consumer protections

The bill mandates several new consumer protection measures to address problem gambling and responsible gaming concerns. Notably, all gaming licensees would be required to display responsible gambling information prominently on their platforms.

This would include a toll-free number for problem gambling assistance, real-time notifications displaying the time spent on a gambling platform, and options for players to take voluntary breaks in play to prevent excessive gaming behaviour

Additionally, the bill requires clear transparency in the setting of betting limits for online sports wagering.

Operators must display maximum bet limits and provide players with options to set personalised spending restrictions.

Targeting summer 2025

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the proposed changes.

The Commissioner of Consumer Protection would be authorised to establish new regulatory standards for online gaming operators and sports wagering retailers.

The bill also grants emergency regulatory authority to the Commissioner, allowing for expedited rule-making processes if necessary.

If enacted, the bill’s provisions would take effect on 1 July 2025.

The timeline suggests that stakeholders, including gaming operators and tribal gaming authorities, would need to coordinate with the state to ensure compliance with the new regulations before the implementation date.

While the bill aims to enhance Connecticut’s gaming industry, it may face opposition from those concerned about gambling expansion and its potential social consequences.

Critics argue that increased online gaming access could lead to higher rates of gambling addiction, therefore creating a need for stronger safeguards.

Legal experts also point to the potential challenges related to federal regulations, such as the Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which govern interstate gaming transactions.

Although recent interpretations have permitted state-licensed online poker within compact agreements, future federal legal shifts could impact Connecticut’s ability to participate.

The bill was referred to the Senate Joint Committee on General Law on 6 March. A public hearing will be held on 12 March.

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