Senate Bill No. 381 mandates that each public institution of higher education in the state must conduct an on-campus program addressing problem gambling at least once per academic year, effective July 1, 2026. The program is required to provide information about available on-campus and community resources for the treatment and rehabilitation of problem gambling, which is defined as compulsive gambling or an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. Institutions are allowed to contract with nonprofit organizations to deliver these programs, with a stipulation that priority must be given to nonprofits that receive funding from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' compulsive gamblers treatment and rehabilitation program.

The bill is expected to incur potential annual costs for public higher education institutions starting in fiscal year 2027, with estimates ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per campus depending on the program's specifics. For example, the University of Connecticut could face an annual cost of approximately $25,000 across its campuses, while the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities could see costs around $80,000. However, these costs may be reduced or eliminated if institutions successfully contract with nonprofits to cover some or all of the program expenses.