Regulated online sports betting and casino sites have been live in Connecticut for almost two years, but it appears there is still plenty of consumer education to do around the market.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection in tandem with state Attorney General William Tong issued a press release cautioning state residents to confine their gambling to the three regulated brands in the state: FanDuel, DraftKings, and PlaySugarHouse.
“There are only three legal, regulated gaming operators in Connecticut—DraftKings, FanDuel, and PlaySugarHouse,” said Tong. “Any other site soliciting bets is illegal and unregulated and your money and personal information may not be protected. If you play, play responsibly. Please report any illegal gambling to the Department of Consumer Protection.”
“Like anything, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These illegal platforms will make promises of better odds, higher payouts, and out-of-this-world sign-up bonuses allegedly endorsed by celebrity athletes just to entice consumers,” added DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “And while their platforms might look legitimate, they are illegal and not subject to regulation and inspection by the state. Consumers are putting their personal information and money at risk by using these platforms. If you choose to engage in gaming activities, do so responsibly and legally.”
The release further cautioned that, just because a brand might claim to be operating legally in the US, that is often not the case. Furthermore, these sites lack the consumer protections offered to customers who patronize the regulated sites in the state.
While PlaySugarHouse currently operates in Connecticut, it will be shutting down in the future. Rush Street and the Connecticut Lottery announced in March that they would be concluding their partnership early. The state is currently determining which brand might replace Rush Street in the state.
