Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection cracks down on illegal slot machines

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division has warned the public about illegal slot machines operating in the state. The reminder came after investigators seized six machines and $900 in cash from four locations in December 2024.

Described by the department as "designed to take your money," the machines offer unfair payouts and can put players' personal information at risk, the DCP said as part of its crackdown on illegal gambling.

State officials emphasized that electronic slot machines are only permitted at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino. Machines found outside these facilities are illegal and come with several risks, including no age restrictions and significantly worse payout odds than regulated gaming platforms, the department said.

One illegal machine confiscated by DCP had collected $191,359 but paid out just 66%. In contrast, regulated slot machines and iCasino games must return at least 80% of wagers over time. In 2024, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and their online partners DraftKings and FanDuel returned over 94% of wagers.

The DCP Gaming Division seized six illegal slot machines and $900 in cash from four unnamed different locations in December. The agency plans to continue its crackdown throughout the coming weeks, the statement said.

“If you choose to gamble, it is critical to do it on a legal, licensed platform, whether that’s at one of our state’s two casinos, or through the licensed and regulated online gaming platforms,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli in a statement.

“These illegal machines pose a significant risk to communities, and we will be confiscating any illegal machines found by our investigators,” he added.

DCP Gaming Director Kris Gilman further warned consumers about the deceptive nature of illegal machines, noting that they may resemble those at Tribal Casinos or online gaming platforms but are "often crudely manufactured" and "typically return far less than the law requires." 

He emphasized that these devices "pose a significant risk" to consumers who have no recourse in the event of a malfunction or failure to pay out. "Put simply, they are designed to take your money,” said Gilman.

The department encourages anyone with information about illegal machines to report them. Gilman noted that consumers who have placed wagers on illegal machines are not the target of the investigation and that enforcement action will be taken against operators.