Connecticut Lawmakers Propose Bill to Address Gambling Issues on College Campuses

Legislation would require public universities to provide on-campus problem gambling programs annually

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:04am

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Lawmakers in Connecticut are considering a bill that would require public higher education institutions to provide an 'on-campus problem gambling program at least once each academic year'. This comes after a survey found that more than 70% of Connecticut's undergraduate students have gambled, with 17% reporting it at a moderate level. The bill is seen as a 'good first step' in addressing the issue of gambling addiction on college campuses, which has been exacerbated by the expansion of sports betting.

Why it matters

Gambling addiction among college students can lead to financial stress, academic disruption, and mental health concerns. The normalization of sports betting has also created pressure and harassment toward student-athletes tied to gambling outcomes. This legislation aims to proactively address gambling-related harm on campuses through prevention-focused policies.

The details

The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee passed SB 381 in a 17 to 1 vote. The bill would require public higher education institutions in Connecticut to provide an 'on-campus problem gambling program at least once each academic year'. Supporters of the bill, including the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling and the Mohegan Tribe, say it is a practical and prevention-focused policy that will strengthen student support systems without imposing unnecessary administrative burdens.

  • In April 2026, the Connecticut legislature is considering SB 381.

The players

Sen. Derek Slap

Co-chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee and a West Hartford Democrat, who said the bill is a 'good first step' in addressing gambling issues on college campuses.

Diana Goode

Executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, who testified that the bill is a 'practical, prevention-focused policy that strengthens student support systems'.

Nathan Hirschfeld

A college student at Wesleyan University, who wrote in his testimony about seeing friends lose thousands of dollars on sports bets and the resulting financial and mental health impacts.

Haritha Subramanian

Vice president of the undergraduate student government at UConn, who expressed concern about the normalization of gambling culture and lack of adequate regulation.

Chuck Bunnell

Chief of staff to the Mohegan Tribe, who wrote in testimony that the tribe supports the legislation because it reflects a shared understanding that problem gambling is a serious issue.

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What they’re saying

“This bill is a good first step to addressing the issue and getting students the help they need. The massive expansion of sports betting is creating real problems — not just on college campuses, but especially on college campuses. I fully expect we will need to do more than this bill to adequately combat it.”

— Sen. Derek Slap, Co-chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

“This legislation is a practical, prevention-focused policy that strengthens student support systems without imposing unnecessary administrative burdens. It ensures that gambling-related harm is addressed proactively, just as campuses already address substance use, mental health, and suicide prevention.”

— Diana Goode, Executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling

“As a college student this is my reality. I cannot count how many times I have seen friends lose thousands of dollars on parlays and isolate themselves, not only succumbing to the financial burden of gambling addiction but the mental deterioration and academic decline as well.”

— Nathan Hirschfeld, College student at Wesleyan University

“I am concerned with the increase in gambling opportunities, given that it is now easily accessible 24/7 on mobile devices and individuals can gamble on just about anything. I have seen students casually speak about gambling, particularly sports betting and I worry about the normalization of gambling culture and the lack of adequate regulation surrounding these gambling programs.”

— Haritha Subramanian, Vice president of the undergraduate student government at UConn

“The Mohegan Tribe supports this legislation because it reflects a shared understanding that problem gambling is a serious issue and that education, early intervention, and collaboration are essential tools in addressing it.”

— Chuck Bunnell, Chief of staff to the Mohegan Tribe

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Connecticut Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a proactive step by Connecticut lawmakers to address the growing issue of gambling addiction on college campuses, which has been exacerbated by the expansion of sports betting. By requiring public universities to provide on-campus problem gambling programs, the state aims to strengthen support systems for students and mitigate the financial, academic, and mental health impacts of gambling-related harm.