Connecticut Lawmakers Move to Ban Online Sweepstakes and Lottery Ticket Couriers

February 5, 2025 – A new legislative proposal in Connecticut aims to crack down on online sweepstakes operations and prohibit the resale of lottery tickets through courier services. Senate Bill 1235, introduced by the Connecticut General Law Committee, seeks to establish strict regulations targeting digital gambling practices operating in legal gray areas.

Sweeping Ban on Online Sweepstakes

The bill proposes an outright ban on real or simulated online casino gaming and sports wagering for sweepstakes operators. This follows increased scrutiny of the industry after the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) took enforcement actions against Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) in 2024, citing unlicensed gambling and unfair trade practices. As a result, VGW ceased operations in the state.

SB 1235 stipulates that sweepstakes promotions must be directly tied to the sale of goods, services, or property to be considered legal. Additionally, the bill grants the state authority to confiscate “any simulated gambling device used in a sweepstakes or promotional drawing.” Violators would be subject to penalties under the state’s deceptive trade practices laws, with potential charges of professional gambling, classified as a Class D felony.

Lottery Courier Services Face Shutdown

The bill also takes aim at online lottery ticket couriers, which purchase lottery tickets on behalf of consumers. Defined as “for-profit delivery services operated for the purpose of purchasing lottery tickets for games,” these businesses—such as Jackpocket and Jackpot com—would be banned from operating in Connecticut if the bill becomes law.

Legislative Push for Gambling Reform

SB 1235 is part of a broader effort to refine Connecticut’s gambling regulations. Last month, Representative Tony Scott introduced several bills proposing changes to the state’s sports betting rules, including House Bill 5564, which seeks to regulate betting markets and impose a maximum hold percentage. Scott is also advocating for legalizing in-state college sports wagering.

Meanwhile, Representative Christopher Rosario has filed a bill to regulate in-flight sports betting for commercial airline passengers departing from or arriving in Connecticut. Federal law currently prohibits gambling on commercial flights, but states with legalized sports betting may allow such activity in airports.

All these measures, including SB 1235, have been referred to the General Law Committee for further review.

Impact on Connecticut’s Gaming Landscape

If passed, SB 1235 would significantly alter Connecticut’s gaming industry by eliminating online sweepstakes casinos and restricting third-party lottery ticket sales. Lawmakers argue the move is necessary to enforce consumer protections and prevent unauthorized gambling activities.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, stakeholders—including gaming operators and consumer advocates—will closely watch its implications for the future of online gambling in Connecticut.