Ivan Moreno | Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House gave its initial approval to a measure that would legalize betting on daily fantasy sports on Wednesday, but some lawmakers expressed concern about whether the bill has been properly vetted, and its chances at full passage remain uncertain.
The proposal would regulate how the online businesses operate by dictating who can play and by taxing and charging operators licensing fees. Only people 21 and older could play, and employees at the companies would be barred from participating in the contests.
Promoted Stories from politicsChatter
America’s political dynasties
Politicians who served time
19 things to know about FOX News anchor Megyn Kelly
Industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel have been lobbying for regulation around the country that would allow them to continue operating, after some states said that what they were doing amounted to illegal online gambling.
The companies support the legislation in Illinois, a state where they say 2 million people participate in the games. That makes the Illinois the third-largest market for the contests, according to the Fantasy Trade Association, which represents DraftKings, FanDuel and 300 other operators.
A House judiciary panel approved the bill on a 9-4 vote, sending it to the full chamber for consideration, which could happen as soon as this week.
“Without [this legislation], fantasy sports as we know it would not be able to continue in Illinois,” said Peter Schoenke, speaking on behalf the Fantasy Trade Association.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a December opinion that she believes the games are illegal. Other states have come to the same conclusion, prompting lawmakers nationwide to work on regulating or banning the emerging online businesses. Last month, the governors of Virginia and Indiana signed legislation to regulate the new industry. Kansas has also legalized daily fantasy sports.
In all, 35 states have introduced legislation addressing daily fantasy sports gambling, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
“I know this is a controversial bill,” said Rep. Mike Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat sponsoring the Illinois bill. “Constituents of ours play these games and regardless of whether we agree with their decisions to do so, we’re faced with the choice of deciding whether we want to protect them from the reality we know exists and make sure that they enjoy the games in a reasonable way.”
No comments:
Post a Comment