Colorado moves forward on DFS

The Colorado House of Representatives approved an intrastate daily fantasy sports legalisation bill HB 1404 Monday on a vote of 44 vs. 21, sending the measure on to the state Senate.

The Associated Press news agency reports that the new bill requires DFS operators to register and obtain licensing from the state, although the bill leaves the costs associated with this open until the legislative process has run its course

Other provisions require operators to separate player deposits from operational funds, maintain adequate financial reserves, exclude players below age 18 and incorporate responsible gambling measures. Fantasy jackpot companies would also have to submit to annual independent audits.

Importantly, the bill declares that DFS is a skill game and not gambling, and it differentiates between commercial DFS where players pay entry fees, and free fantasy contests.

HB1404 calls for the establishment of a new Office of Fantasy Sports to oversee DFS activity, and bans employees of DFS companies and their relatives from competing in the games.

More than 800,000 Coloradans regularly play fantasy sports, and HB1404 ensures they have an equal chance to win through skill and knowledge, said Sen. Lucia Guzman, who will carry the bill in the Senate.

“Colorado’s booming economy has been in large part thanks to our business-friendly climate,” she said. “This bill is in that spirit. By protecting the integrity of this budding industry, we can ensure the thousands of Coloradans who choose to play can continue to do so with the peace of mind that it is a fair game.”

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