Key points:
- These electronic games do not pay the same percentage as legitimate slot games
- Legal and regulated slots are available at two Connecticut casinos
Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division (DCP) has published a warning to the public about illegal gambling machines.
“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 Cafferelli.
“These illegal machines pose a significant risk to communities, and we will be confiscating any illegal machines found by our investigators. Thank you to our team who works hard day in and day out to ensure the integrity of gaming in our state.”
The DCP outlined in its warning that electronic gaming machines (slots) are permitted at Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino but are not allowed in any other venues.
The regulator said in a statement, “All machines found outside of those facilities are illegal. Illegal slot machines put consumers money and information at risk, have no age-based restrictions, and offer significantly worse odds than regulated physical slot machines and legal iGaming platforms.”
The DCP also informed players that six illegal machines “designed to steal your money” have been confiscated.
DCP Gaming Director Kris Gilman said, “These machines might look like those available at the Tribal casinos and online gaming operators, but are often crudely manufactured, typically return far less than the law requires of regulated machines and 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. Anyone with knowledge of an illegal machine is asked to make a report to the Department so that enforcement action can be taken against the operator of the illegal machine. Consumers who have placed wagers on illegal machines are not the target of this investigation.”
The department seized one machine, which “had collected $191,359 and paid out only 66% to users.”
In the warning, the DCP explained the difference between slots approved for casinos and electronic machines that are considered illegal.
The DCP commented, “By comparison, regulated slot machines and iCasino games are required to pay back at least 80% or more of the amount wagered over time to customers.
“Regulated games are continuously tested and monitored to ensure they are paying back the required amount over time.”
Last year, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, along with their partners DraftKings and FanDuel returned close to 95% of wagers back to players as winnings, according to the regulator.
