DraftKings, a Boston-based gambling company, has agreed to return more than $3 million to 7,000 Connecticut consumers following an investigation into alleged violations of the state’s gaming laws related to marketing and advertising.
From October 2021 to January 2023, DraftKings made available certain bonus offers that promised a deposit match or deposit bonus, but made it unclear as to how to earn the rewards, the Department of Consumer Protection announced on Thursday.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this investigation and that affected consumers will be made whole,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. 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.”
DraftKings also agreed to provide annual training to its Connecticut marketing and advertising personnel on the state’s gaming laws and provide enhanced promotion of its education hub and game tutorials for bonus promotions, the DCP said. DraftKings has also agreed to pay $50,000 for use in consumer complaint resolution programs, consumer education, consumer protection enforcement and litigation.
“DraftKings is committed to operating in compliance with all regulatory requirements,” a DraftKings spokesman Stephen Maraglia said. “We value our relationship with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and will continue to work collaboratively with them.”
Affected consumers will receive communication regarding their refund from DraftKings within 60 days, the DCP said. The agency warned consumers that scammers may try to impersonate DraftKings to steal their refund or personal information.
