Gambling study bill draws support in public hearing
Both supporters and opponents of newly expanded gambling in Connecticut agree it bears study.
Connecticut's Public Safety and Security Committee is discussing Senate Bill 140. The bill calls for a study of the effect of legalized gambling on the public. Michelle Seagull, commissioner of state Department of Consumer Protection, expressed doubts about the deadline. She said the study could be less thorough than people want. The need for the bill crystallized in the wake of Connecticut's legalization of sports betting and online casino gaming. Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling reported a significant increase in calls to its "helpline" since the launch.