Gambling at Bars in Connecticut - Don’t Bet On It

It is that time of the year again! As I visited several bars, delis, and restaurants this week, we came across numerous football pools, e.g. Superbowl squares, being displayed. The boxes ranged from $5.00 to $500.00 per box. Although the dollar amounts to wager and the payouts are different, they share a common denominator:

If the premises has a liquor permit, the pools are unlawful

Look for the Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection to send out its annual reminder to permittees. Gambling is illegal under General Statutes 553-278b and cannot be offered at any liquor establishment.