DraftKings to Refund $3M to Connecticut Players Following Promotion Probe

DraftKings has agreed to return approximately $3 million to more than 7,000 players in Connecticut, following a settlement with the state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) over disputed bonus offers.

The agreement follows an investigation into promotions run between 19 October 2021 and 4 January 2023, which promised deposit matches or bonuses. The DCP found that some players may have misunderstood the terms, which included wagering requirements and other conditions not clearly communicated.

“Gaming operators must clearly communicate the terms of any promotion to their customers, including requirements to wager a certain amount or other conditions to obtain a promised award,” said Kris Gilman, Director of the DCP’s Gaming Division.

“We are happy that DraftKings has agreed to assess its promotions, provide additional training to its employees regarding Connecticut’s laws and regulations, and return funds to consumers who misunderstood and in many cases were completely unaware of the terms of the promotions they participated in.”

As part of the settlement, DraftKings will provide annual legal training for its Connecticut-based marketing and advertising staff. It will also enhance visibility for its educational resources and tutorials related to bonus offers.

In addition to the $3 million in refunds, the operator will contribute $50,000 towards consumer protection and enforcement initiatives, including complaint resolution, education, and litigation.

DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli commented:

“We are pleased with the outcome of this investigation and that affected consumers will be made whole. 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.”

The news comes shortly after Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1235 into law, making Connecticut the second state in the US to formally ban online sweepstakes casinos.