Pennsylvania opts for study first on DFS

Pennsylvania state lawmakers are taking a more cautious approach to the daily fantasy sports issue, commissioning a study of the phenomenon before making any legalisation or regulatory moves.

Our readers will recall that last year Representative George Dunbar and six sponsors introduced HB1197 to the House, proposing that state gambling licensees be permitted to offer daily fantasy sports, but the measure gained little traction.

Instead it has apparently been side-lined by provisions in a wider new bill calling for a thorough study to assess “the potential of fantasy sports as a gambling product.”

The bill requires the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to define fantasy sports and report on the structure of the different fantasy sports formats and the underlying activities that may be appropriate for oversight.

They are also asked to consider the relationship of fantasy sports with current state gaming regulations, and recommend how underage and problem gambling can be addressed in fantasy sports, ultimately making proposals regarding the route lawmakers should take.

The appropriate section of the enabling legislation can be accessed here:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?