#Middlebury #MarchMadness #Gambling
Consumer Protection Commissioner warns about risks ahead of March Madness
March 14, 2022 — The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Attorney General William Tong are reminding consumers that only three gaming operators are approved to offer internet gaming in Connecticut — DraftKings, FanDuel, and Play Sugarhouse.
The Department has received reports of illegal offshore gambling businesses soliciting Connecticut consumers to place wagers via their online platforms. These illegal gambling websites are not licensed to accept wagers within the state of Connecticut and create a risk for users who may not realize these companies do not comply with state regulations created to protect consumers’ personal information and money.
“These illegal offshore gambling websites are highly professional organizations with large budgets, and often they market directly to Connecticut consumers using endorsements from retired famous professional athletes,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “But these platforms are illegal and not subject to regulation and inspection by the state. That means the games haven’t been reviewed to ensure they are run fairly, and consumers are putting their personal information and money at risk by using these platforms. If consumers choose to engage in gaming activities, they should do so responsibly and legally.”
“There are three sports betting operators authorized to operate in Connecticut — DraftKings, FanDuel, and Play Sugarhouse,” said Attorney General William Tong. “Any other gaming platform marketing to Connecticut consumers is doing so in violation of state law and should be reported to the Department of Consumer Protection.”
These illegal offshore gambling websites often call potential patrons directly and use high pressure sales tactics to get them to make a deposit and place wagers. They tell patrons it is legal to place a bet on these sites from Connecticut when it is not, and there is no guarantee that consumers who place wagers on these platforms will receive their winnings.
To avoid detection, these sites often use third-party vendors to hide the payments from a patron’s bank, which is obligated to stop financial transactions involving illegal gambling operations.
Consumers who are aware of illegal gambling businesses marketing their services in Connecticut should report it by emailing dcp.gaming@ct.gov.
Information about gaming in Connecticut is available at ct.gov/gaming.
Information on services available in Connecticut for those who may have a problem with gambling is available at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming. You may also learn about self-exclusion at ct.gov/selfexclusion.
