A bill to restrict gambling advertising on college and university property drew testimony Feb. 19, 2025, from problem‑gambling advocates, campus groups and industry representatives who offered competing fixes.

Paul Tarbox of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling said casinos and betting platforms have ramped up marketing and that college‑age males (roughly 18–35) now account for a growing share of helpline calls since expansion of online sports betting. He urged limits on campus‑specific promotion and on advertising available through campus Internet systems.

Advocates and some committee members described evidence that young adults are being exposed to abundant gambling marketing online and on campus, and said last year’s legislative ban on direct marketing partnerships between universities and operators did not stop campus‑targeted advertising on campus networks or student portals.

FanDuel and DraftKings asked the committee to narrow the bill so it forbids advertising placed directly on college property or campus‑owned media assets, but does not bar general broadcast or web advertising that cannot be geofenced to exclude students or campus systems. Michael Ventre of FanDuel and David Presswood of DraftKings gave the committee suggested language that would exempt “generally available” advertising aimed at a broad audience while forbidding ads placed on campus property or campus websites.

Committee members said they expected to keep working with industry and advocates to clarify the drafting so the prohibition targets campus placement rather than general commercial advertising that cannot practically be geolocated away from campuses.