The state of Connecticut has officially surpassed $1 billion in all-time sports betting handle. The June revenue report shared by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection shows that, less than nine months after legalized sports betting launched in Connecticut in October 2021, that 10-figure benchmark has been cleared. (Handle is defined as the amount of money wagered by bettors.)

The Constitution State came close to reaching $1 billion in all-time handle in May, but fell about $18 million short. With a June handle of $95.4 million, legal sports betting platforms in Connecticut easily cleared that hurdle. 

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The Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection publishes Gaming Revenue and Statistics on its website. Click here to learn more.

Visit Responsible Play the CT Way for tips on setting time and money limits, understanding risk, and balancing gambling with other activities.

The Region 5 Problem Gambling Awareness Team has identified a lack of financial literacy as a risk factor for problem gambling. According to a Research Snapshot from GREO (Gambling Research Exchange), financial literacy is defined as "a person's ability to understand economic information and use it to make decisions about their finances". Someone who is financially literate knows how to accumulate wealth, handle debt, and save for retirement. People can become financially literate from their life experiences, or from receiving financial education in school. They cite a 2010 study done in Japan which found that "people who are more financially literate may be less likely to take financial risks by gambling frequently" and that "promoting financial literacy may reduce the risk of problem gambling".

The U.S Department of Treasury houses a Financial Literacy and Education Commission. The Commission’s vision is of sustained financial well-being for all individuals and families in the U.S. In furtherance of this vision, the Commission sets strategic direction for policy, education, practice, research, and coordination so that all Americans make informed financial decisions. MyMoney.gov provides tools for financial planning and budgeting.

From a CNBC Op-ed, June 22,2022, entitled "Financial Literacy Should be a Family Affair to help Empower Future Generations", Jamie Bosse, a Certified Financial Planner, provides a basic guide of financial concepts that parents can discuss with kids at various age ranges. Here are a few excerpts:

The Council for Economic Education created a Family-At-Home Financial Fun Pack that includes activities, games, worksheets and suggested books for children of all ages.

Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the State of Connecticut. Services are offered at more than 16 locations in Connecticut through community agencies. Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including: individual, group, peer recovery support, medication, and budget counseling for both individuals impacted by problem gambling and affected loved ones. Services are provided at little to no cost.

For a listing of all Bettor Choice Providers in CT click here.

The Bettor Choice Provider in Region 5 is MCCA, Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism.

MCCA also provides short-term inpatient treatment for clients with a gambling problem at their McDonough House facility.  Click here to learn more.

Earl Sanford is the Program Manager for Problem Gambling Services at MCCA. He oversees all aspects of Program Gambling treatment in the Waterbury, Danbury, Torrington, and New Milford clinics.

In Region 5, Apex Community Care and Help, Inc are working toward increasing the capacity of substance use disorder and mental health treatment/recovery programs to address gambling and problem gambling through enhanced screening, assessment, awareness, intervention, recovery and health promotion strategies.

Western CT Coalition is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization servicing the 43 towns of DMHAS Region 5.

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