Gambling at Bars & Restaurants in Connecticut

Just in time for Super Bowl Sunday, the Department of Consumer Protection’s Liquor Control Division issued a guidance statement reminding liquor permittees that “gambling cannot be offered at any establishment.”

“Gambling” means the risking of money or something of value for gain when that risk is dependent up on chance or the operation of a gambling device. Gambling includes casino games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. It also includes card games (e.g., drawing a winning card from a deck), dice games (e.g., rolling to match five dice), and sports pool (e.g., Superbowl squares) where the winner is selected by chance. We’re reminded that neither the wager nor winnings need be money; credit, food, clothing, glassware or even priority seating or parking spaces can all be considered items of value for gambling.

Gambling does not include any game or wager that is incidental to a bona fide social relationship, such as a group of friends betting between themselves on a sports event or a monthly poker night. This exception, however, does not generally apply to social events sponsored by a liquor permittee, even public or private clubs.

To learn more about this guidance or any other liquor matter, feel free to reach out to us.