The bill (1) transfers responsibility for the mandated study on the effects of legalized gambling on Connecticut residents from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and (2) resets the deadline for subsequent studies.

Current law requires DCP to conduct this study as often as the commissioner deems necessary, but at least every 10 years. The last study was conducted in 2009. The bill instead requires the DMHAS commissioner to conduct the next study by August 1, 2023, every 10 years thereafter, and at other times as she deems necessary. The bill also authorizes the commissioner to select a contractor to conduct the study.

Under current law, the study must look at the types of gambling the public does and the desirability of expanding, maintaining, or reducing the amount of legalized gambling the state allows. The bill additionally requires that each study be informed by the most recently completed study’s findings on the effects of legalized gambling. It also requires the DMHAS commissioner or contractor to:

1. consider data from other states to inform recommendations on best practices and proposed regulatory changes;
2. review available data to assess the problem gaming resources available in Connecticut; and
3. consult with stakeholders to inform the study analysis, including elected and appointed government officials, nongovernmental and charitable organizations, municipal officials, businesses, and entities engaged in legalized gambling activities in Connecticut.

The commissioner must submit the study’s findings and its cost to the Public Safety and Security Committee.