Connecticut Lawmakers Seek to Restrict Advertising by Casinos

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 03/11/2023

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Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.

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Lawmakers Seek Advertising Restrictions

Many casinos across Connecticut draw in new customers with enticing offers and promotions, which then means a boost in visitors or sign-ups. However, this could become a thing of the past, with Connecticut lawmakers seeking to heavily restrict advertising from both retail and online casinos. Sports betting operators would also be affected by the restrictions.

Bill SB971 is now in committee, and if it goes through, it could mean big changes to the way casinos attract new customers through promos and ads.

The language of the bill makes it clear that operators cannot bring new customers and bettors on board through the advertising and promo methods they have used in the past, and this could make things very difficult for online casinos as well as betting operators.

The bill states:

No advertisement of online casino gaming, online sports wagering, or retail sports wagering may…offer or advertise for a financial entitlement to participate in such gaming or wagering.

This means that casinos will not be able to advertise offers such as deposit bonuses and free site credit, which have become popular ways of getting new gamblers on board over the years.

Casinos Can Still Offer Incentives

According to reports, the new bill will not restrict casinos from offering incentives to customers. However, it will restrict them in terms of advertising the offers. For many casinos, this will amount to the same thing, as without advertising, people will be unaware of the incentives on offer, which means that the incentives essentially become pointless as part of a marketing strategy.

The move will mean a dramatic change to the way casinos advertise their special deals, as well as how promotions are advertised by sportsbooks. While gambling operators will still be able to advertise, they will have to focus on other things such as new apps or new slot machines that are being introduced.

Operators are likely to have a tough time finding ways to raise awareness of their promotions and deals if they are not able to advertise them, and this could essentially see the range of promos and offers reduced. For some operators, running these promotions will become pointless if they cannot use them for marketing through advertising.

Changes to Funding Options for Gamblers

Another potential change that could come from the bill is in relation to the funding options gamblers have. At present, gamblers have a range of options open to them when it comes to funding their accounts for gambling, but this would also be severely restricted under the new bill.

The bill would mean that gamblers would be limited to only one credit or debit card to fund their accounts. In addition, the card would only be allowed if it is in the sole name of the account holder. This then means funding accounts will become far more difficult for some people, which could further impact the casino industry in Connecticut.

One thing that these moves can help with, however, is reducing issues with gambling addiction. Heavy advertising and ease of access to online casinos are among the issues that have exacerbated gambling issues.