Florida to consider daily fantasy sports this week

The daily fantasy sports regulatory scene in Florida looks set to warm up tomorrow (Wednesday) when Sen. Joe Negron’s bill SB832 will be considered by the state Senate Regulated Industries Committee.

Filed last November (see previous reports) SB832 clarifies that fantasy sports skill games are not gambling and do not fall under Florida’s gambling laws.

The bill makes provision for DFS companies to pay $500,000 each to register in Florida and institutes regulations to protect consumers and prevent minors and employees of fantasy game operators from participating.

DFS companies have been investing in Florida recognition; the Miami Herald reports that since August 2015, fantasy sports companies have written 49 checks totalling $220,000 to draft some of the biggest players in the Florida Legislature to assist them.

Political committees run by current and future Florida House Speakers, Republicans and Democrats, and budget chairmen in both the House and the Senate are among the recipients.

Wednesday’s hearing will be a busy affair – the committee agenda also includes deliberations on a proposed gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Gov. Rick Scott and the tribe have reached agreement on the proposal, which could bring $3 billion to the state, but the deal requires approval from the Legislature.

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