Tennessee Senate clears the way for legalised daily fantasy sports

State senators in Tennessee have approved the intrastate legalisation of daily fantasy sports by a convincing 29 to 1 vote, progressing the proposed legislation to the state House for consideration, according to local media reports.

State Sen. Jack Johnson, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, told reporters that he and other proponents of the bill have been working with state Attorney General Herbert Slatery to first establish and declare that fantasy sports involves strong elements of skill and therefore is not gambling in terms of state law

With the exception of the state lottery, gambling is banned by the Tennessee Constitution.

The bill would ensure fantasy sports are legal in Tennessee, with stringent guidelines to be set up by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office for companies to register and be charged processing fees. A physical presence in the state will also be required, along with an obligation to pay state corporate taxes.

Tennessee has joined some 30 other US states in mulling what to do about fantasy sports in a legislative and regulatory sense.