Sec.12-865-24. Problem Gambling Requirements

(a) Each online gaming operator shall include the following information in a prominent place on the internet gaming log on screen and on the log off screen whenever the electronic wagering system detects a log off:

(1) The message “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call [phone] or visit ccpg.org/chat,” or the equivalent of such message in a language other than English. The department may update the required phone number or web address to be displayed by providing ten days’ notice to each licensee, after which time the licensee shall display the new number and address. The department shall consult with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services prior to revising the required problem gambling message and shall provide ten days’ notice to each licensee, after which time the licensee shall display the new message;

(2) Procedures for patrons to self-exclude themselves;

(3) Procedures in accordance with sections 12-865-11 and 12-865-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies for the patron to impose limits on the patron’s gaming activities;

(4) The date, time and duration of the patron's previous log on; and

(5) A notification that if the individual is on the self-exclusion list, the individual shall be barred from collecting any winnings or prizes if the individual participated in gaming for which the individual self-excluded.

(b) Each sports wagering retail facility shall include a sign of at least 12” x 12” at the entrance, near every automatic teller machine or other machine where cash may be withdrawn or advanced, and at the location where wagers are placed that prominently displays the following information:

(1) “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call [phone] or visit ccpg.org/chat,” or the equivalent of such message in a language other than English. The department may update the required phone number or web address to be displayed by providing ten days’ notice to each licensee, after which time the licensee shall display the new number and address. The department shall consult with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services prior to revising the required problem gambling message and shall provide ten days’ notice to each licensee, after which time the licensee shall display the new message.

(2) Where within the retail facility the patron can go to place himself or herself on the self-exclusion list.

(3) A notification that if the individual is on the self-exclusion list, the individual shall be barred from collecting any winnings or prizes if the individual participated in gaming for which the individual self-excluded.

(c) An electronic wagering platform shall either:

(1) Continuously and prominently display the current time in the State of Connecticut and the time elapsed while in the current patron session; or

(2) Cause a pop-up notification, at least every half-hour, to be prominently displayed that advises the patron of the current time, the amount of time elapsed, and amount wagered since his or her log on.

(d) If an individual is on the self-exclusion list or is otherwise barred from participating in gaming, a licensee shall not market gaming related activities or businesses to that individual in any way, including phone, mail, text, electronic mail, through social media or by knowingly directing any form of advertisement or marketing material to that individual.

(e) Excluded persons shall not collect any prizes or winnings or recover any losses arising from any prohibited participation in gaming activity. Prizes or winnings received in a fantasy contest by an individual on the excluded persons list shall be dispensed by the online gaming operator to the patron or patrons who were the next runner- or runners-up and to each next eligible patron, for compensation related to a fantasy contest, if possible to determine, or the amounts deposited and won shall be dispensed to the chronic gamblers treatment rehabilitation account, established under section 17a-713 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Prizes or winnings received in any other internet game by an individual on the excluded persons list shall be forfeited and shall be dispensed by the online gaming operator to the chronic gamblers treatment rehabilitation account, established under section 17a-713 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(f) Each licensee shall train all employees that may have direct contact with patrons, whether in-person, by phone, electronic mail, electronic chat or others means, on problem gambling and gambling disorder. The training program shall comply with the following:

(1) The training shall occur before the employee begins employment, or begins working in a position where the employee may interact with patrons, and shall occur at regular intervals thereafter of not less than once per year.

(2) Such training shall include training on the licensee’s policies, best practices and resources for identifying and assisting individuals who may be exhibiting problem gambling behavior, including:

(A) Recognizing the nature and symptoms of problem gambling behavior and how to assist players in obtaining information regarding help for a gambling problem and self-exclusion programs;

(B) Responding to patrons who may disclose that they have a gambling problem; and

(C) Responding to reports from third parties, such as family members, about patrons who may have a gambling problem.

(3) The training provided by the licensee shall consist of a program or programs approved by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

(g) An electronic wagering platform shall not induce a patron to continue placing wagers when play is in session, when the patron attempts to end a session, or when the patron wins or loses a bet. If a patron has initiated a withdrawal request, the gaming entity licensee may not offer anything of value to reverse the withdrawal request.

(Effective February 1, 2022)