Two U.S. states make progress on fantasy sports

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Kansas are making sure that their states are not left behind in the rise of Daily Fantasy Sports, introducing legalisation bills in their respective legislatures.

In Pennsylvania, state Rep. George Dunbar has launched House Bill 1197 proposing the legalisation of DFS in all state-licensed land casinos. The bill has been allocated to the state’s House Committee on Gaming Oversight and is expected to progress quickly.

“Presently most fantasy sports tournaments take place on internet sites like Fanduel,” Dunbar wrote last week to fellow legislators whom he hopes will support the bill.

“My legislation will allow our casinos to hold their own fantasy tournaments within the confines of the casino upon payment of a $50,000 licensing fee.

“The rules and regulations for this activity will be determined by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.”

Lawmakers in the Kansas state Legislature are further advanced on their DFS project, having overwhelmingly passed a bill clarifying the legal status of DFS in the state, and obtained the support of Gov. Sam Brownback.

The governor signed the bill into law this week, removing any confusion over the legality of the sector.

Our readers will recall that state Attorney General Derek Schmidt published an opinion last month that state lawmakers may legalise fantasy sports leagues by declaring that the outcomes depend upon the knowledge and skill of the players, and do not therefore constitute gambling.

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