DraftKings Casino Customers in Connecticut Receive Share of $3 Million Settlement
Posted on: July 11, 2025, 10:00h.
Last updated on: July 11, 2025, 10:30h.
- DraftKings Casino has agreed to a $3 million settlement in Connecticut
- Connecticut state officials alleged the online casino deceived consumers
- DraftKings concedes no wrongdoing through the resolution
DraftKings in Connecticut has agreed to settle a complaint before the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) on allegations that its marketing language violated regulations of the state’s statutes on advertising that are designed to protect the public from deceptive practices.
In the settlement, DraftKings denies all allegations, liability, and wrongdoing, but has agreed to return $3,011,766.77 to 7,075 online casino players in Connecticut who signed up through promotions advertising a “50% Casino Deposit Match” or “Casino Deposit Bonus.” The DCP had alleged that DraftKings Casino misled consumers into thinking that their first deposit would be automatically credited with a 50% match, funds that came with no strings attached.
The state agency said DraftKings required online casino customers to “play through their deposit and bonus more than one time without clearly disclosing the required play through to the patron.”
The DCP explained that the DraftKings Casino marketing language in question was promoted between Oct. 19, 2021, and Jan. 4, 2023. The settlement equates to about $425.70 per customer, though claims will be paid out based on each customer’s financial impact.
We are pleased with the outcome of this investigation and that affected consumers will be made whole,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. “Thank you to our Gaming Division team, who work tirelessly on behalf of Connecticut consumers to ensure fairness and safety in our legal gaming marketplace.”
Along with the $3 million settlement, DraftKings has agreed to pay the DCP $50K.
Controversial Advertising
DraftKings is a licensed online casino and mobile sportsbook in Connecticut through its partnership with Foxwoods Resort Casino. The company additionally runs a retail DraftKings Sportsbook at the tribal destination owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
DraftKings isn’t alone in having its fine print legally scrutinized. Caesars Palace Online Casino has been named in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia on allegations that its previously run promotion claiming that new users receive a “100% Deposit Match Up To $2,500” is dishonest.
City attorneys allege that for a Caesars Palace Online Casino new user to actually receive the $2,500 match, they needed to wager 15x their initial deposit and potential bonus amount on slots or 30x times on video poker and 75x on “all other casino games.” That means on a $2,500 deposit ($5,000 with the possible match), an online slots player on Caesars Palace Online Casino would have needed to bet $75K on interactive slots to receive the full $2,500 bonus.
The City of Baltimore is suing both DraftKings and FanDuel on allegations of predatory business practices. City attorneys claim the leading iGaming and online sportsbook brands have engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices and “exploit the most vulnerable” consumers.
Connecticut Strengthens Industry Regulation
Connecticut’s DraftKings Casino settlement is the latest development in the state’s mission to strengthen its tribal and commercial gaming industry.
Last month, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed legislation banning online sweepstakes casinos that utilize dual-currency systems from operating within the state. Sweeps sites offer free-to-play online slots but additionally allow players to acquire and/or purchase “sweeps coins” that can be gambled for cash prizes.
The DCP reached a $1.5 million settlement with High 5 Casino, one such sweepstakes casino, in June to resolve allegations that the website conducted online gambling without an appropriate license.
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