CT SB00540

Authorizes sports wagering in Connecticut effective July 1, 2018, to be offered only by licensed gaming entities (casinos, lottery corporation, race tracks, jai alai frontons, and off-track betting facilities) both in-person and through internet platforms regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection.

Imposes a 15% tax on sports wagering gross revenue and a 0.25% integrity fee on all wagers placed, with integrity fees distributed to sports governing bodies starting in the second calendar year of operation.

Requires sports wagering operators to conduct background checks on employees, verify bettor age (21+), maintain detailed betting records for three years, use official league data for certain wagers, and prohibit wagers by athletes, coaches, referees, team owners, and sports governing body employees.

Establishes an online lottery draw game program administered by the Connecticut Lottery Corporation with age verification (18+), in-state transaction restrictions, voluntary self-exclusion options, and responsible gambling safeguards including deposit and daily spending limits.

Increases annual transfers to the chronic gamblers treatment and rehabilitation account from $2.3 million to $2.4 million beginning fiscal year 2019 and requires a study by July 1, 2023 on the socioeconomic impact of online lottery gaming on problem gambling.