HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division (DCP), Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling are reminding adults who choose to participate in sports wagering to review responsible gaming habits and seek help if they need it ahead of the NFL season.
In Connecticut, the three gaming platforms licensed to offer sports wagering are Draft Kings (Foxwoods), FanDuel (Mohegan Sun) and Fanatics (Connecticut Lottery). Participants must be at least 21 years old to engage in online or in-person gaming or sports wagering. For fantasy contests, participants must be at least 18 years old.
“Football season can be an exciting time for adults who choose to place wagers, but we want to remind you that if you choose to bet, do so responsibly,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Before the season kicks off, create a game plan. Know your odds, understand the house rules for your preferred platform, and take advantage of setting time and money limits on your account. If you choose to engage with illegal offshore gaming sites, you put your money and personal information at risk.”
“With nearly 175,000 Connecticut residents at risk of developing a problem with gambling, the start of the NFL season is an important reminder that every individual experience is significant,” said DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “This is a time when sports betting is especially visible, and we want to emphasize that help and resources are always available. DMHAS is committed to working with our partners and those in and seeking recovery to continue to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that every story truly matters.”
“When placing a bet on a game, it’s important to remember that gambling should never come at the cost of your well-being,” said Diana Goode, Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. “If wagering no longer feels fun or starts to feel overwhelming, you are not alone—help is available 24/7 through our Problem Gambling Helpline. We encourage everyone to play responsibly, set limits, and reach out for support if needed.”
Sports betting operators often make changes to house rules and policies between sports seasons. If you choose to wager, be sure to review the most up-to-date house rules for wagers placed on that platform.
Ways to play responsibly:
- Use licensed platforms: Licensed operators are monitored to ensure transparency and accountability, creating secure and fair platforms for consumers to engage with.
- Set time limits: Players can restrict the number of hours they can use the platform, including time limits on a single betting session.
- Stick to a budget: Sports wagering apps offer money limits including daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. There are also single wager limits available.
- Create a budget for the season and avoid borrowing money from family, friends, or accounts designated for necessities (rent, bills, etc.)
- One player per account: Players are prohibited from allowing more than one user on their account. The account owner is responsible for all activities, charges, and damages that occur. It is illegal to allow a minor to place wagers on your account.
- Assess your gambling habits: Prior to the season, evaluate your gaming behavior. The National Council on Problem Gambling offers a short quiz to help determine if changes or resources are needed.
DCP offers a Self-Exclusion List, a statewide portal for consumers to voluntarily exclude themselves from receiving direct marketing content. Individuals may select a 1-year, 5-year, or lifetime ban from participating in all gaming activities in Connecticut. There are currently more than 7,400 individuals on the list.
If you or someone you know is looking for resources and support for problems relating to gambling, call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming 24/7 confidential Problem Gambling Helpline at 1(888) 789-7777 or visit www.ccpg.org.
Information on services available in Connecticut for those who may have a problem with gambling is also available at ct.gov/problemgaming. You may also learn about self-exclusion at ct.gov/selfexclusion.