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HB 5271

AN ACT PROHIBITING GAMING-RELATED ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Craig Fishbein and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut law bans gambling advertising and marketing at public universities to protect students from predatory industry practices and problem gambling risks.

SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 626
#advertising #collegesanduniversities #consumerprotectiondepartment #gaming #licenses #unfairordeceptivetradepractices
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Bill Summary · HB 5271

Legislative bill overview

HB 5271 prohibits gaming-related advertising, marketing, and promotional activities at Connecticut's public colleges and universities. The bill restricts gambling operators, sports betting companies, and related entities from promoting their products or services on campus or through institutional channels.

Why is this important

College campuses have increasingly become targets for gambling industry marketing, exposing students—particularly those at developmental stages for decision-making and impulse control—to normalized gambling promotion. This bill addresses public health concerns about problem gambling, addiction, and financial harm among young adults by creating a designated gambling-free marketing zone in higher education settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue concerns: Some institutions may have existing sponsorship or licensing agreements with gaming companies; the bill could eliminate these revenue streams without replacement funding
  • Free speech arguments: Gaming companies and libertarian-leaning stakeholders may challenge restrictions as limiting commercial speech rights
  • Enforcement ambiguity: The bill's scope regarding "promotional activities" could be unclear—does it cover social media ads targeting students, partnerships with athletic programs, or only direct on-campus marketing?
  • Competitive disadvantage: Connecticut public universities might face recruitment disadvantages if peer institutions in other states permit such sponsorships, particularly for athletics

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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