The first gambling impact study of its kind in Connecticut since legalizing online gambling highlights some serious concerns about the state’s residents. It found that despite problem gamblers only making up less than 2% of the population, they account for half of all sports wagers.

Online casinos and sports betting became legal in Connecticut in 2021 and the study results show that about two-thirds of people gamble in some form. The majority of this is through the state’s various lottery products, with just 10% engaging in online casino games or sports betting.

over 70% of revenue from legal gambling comes from at-risk or problem gamblers

The last impact study in the state was in 2009 and it showed that over 8% of people were using illegal options to place sports bets, so legalization didn’t lead to a dramatic rise in participation numbers. The study that Gemini Research carried out showed that over 70% of revenue from legal gambling comes from at-risk or problem gamblers.

Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services commissioned the research as it was a requirement from the General Assembly.  

Genesis concluded that the current forms of gambling addiction prevention and treatment in the state are “quite proactive and provides a good model for the rest of the country.” More work is necessary on this front, according to the research company.