CT HB05306

Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall hire a professional service provider within 90 days to develop a strategic plan for expanding gambling in Connecticut, with expertise in state gambling expansion issues.

Strategic plan must analyze economic impacts of current gambling forms, provide fiscal analysis of expansion options (with and without tribal compact amendments), and evaluate commercial casinos, online lottery sales, sports wagering, and fantasy contests.

Plan shall recommend expansion implementation approach, establish a quasi-public regulatory agency, provide taxation framework, and include best practices to protect gambling operation integrity and prevent illegal practices.

Commissioner shall engage an independent third party to study social and public health effects of legalized gambling and submit findings to the joint standing committee on public safety and security by January 1, 2019.

Modifies existing statute to postpone gambling studies until fiscal year 2028 and thereafter every ten years, with findings submitted to the joint standing committee on public safety and security; Connecticut Lottery Corporation unclaimed prize funds shall cover the strategic plan cost.