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Showing posts from February, 2019

Connecticut gamblers lost some $600M to online casinos

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  Years ago, I belonged to a group that tried to convince state lawmakers to reject online gambling. We got nowhere. We warned that online gaming would increase harm and produce no economic value. The data is showing what's happening.  Connecticut’s online casinos collected roughly $665 million after paying out winnings and making allowed deductions from October 2025 through September 2026. That gives a rough indication of players’ losses. The state received nearly $120 million of that money, which is what the chart shows. The state's cut is 18%.   What does that mean for Enfield?   Based on the problem gambling rate (state figure) of 1.8% -- and problem gamblers are the biggest source of gambling revenue --- approximately 600 adults in Enfield are problem gamblers. This means they have difficulty controlling their gambling, and may be in serious financial trouble.   There is another category called "at risk" -- as many as 1,600 people may be in this category. T...

My testimony about the East Windsor casino and gambling in Connecticut

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The General Assembly is holding a hearing Feb. 26 on several bills to expand gambling in Connecticut. I've written in opposition to this plan: Dear lawmakers, I live in Enfield near the planned East Windsor casino and dread its arrival. And that’s why I’m writing. I wish to express concern about legislation that will expand gambling in Connecticut I am submitting this testimony in opposition to H.B. 7055: An Act Creating the Connecticut Gambling Commission and Creating a Competitive Bidding Process for a Resort Casino and I am also opposed to S.B. 11 An Act Concerning the Authorization of a Casino Gaming Facility in East Windsor. I am also opposed to S.B.17 An Act Authorizing Sports Wagering, Internet Gambling and Internet Keno. I’m also opposed to S.B. 665 An Act Concerning Sports Wagering. A little background: There was no demand in Northern Connecticut for a casino. None. Many residents oppose it and there is a feeling that it was forced upon us. You may think, wh...