House Bill No. 5271 seeks to prohibit gaming-related advertising, marketing, and promotional activities at public institutions of higher education by amending subsection (e) of section 12-863 of the general statutes. The bill introduces new provisions that ban advertisements targeting individuals under twenty-one years of age, or under eighteen for specific gaming activities, and mandates that all advertisements clearly state the minimum age for participation. It explicitly prohibits any gaming-related advertising on college campuses and their associated digital platforms, aiming to protect younger audiences from exposure to gaming promotions and ensure responsible advertising practices by gaming entities.
In addition to the advertising restrictions, the bill modifies existing regulations by removing certain provisions and adding new ones for clarity and enforceability. It specifies that advertisements must not appeal to individuals under the specified age limits and must not be disseminated through media targeting these age groups. Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for online keno and online lottery draw games, allowing for increased chances of winning based on higher wagering amounts, subject to approval by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). It also prohibits gaming entities from advertising financial incentives or bonuses that could entice individuals to participate in gaming activities, promoting responsible gaming practices and protecting consumers from misleading advertising.