Lawmakers in Illinois and Maryland have introduced legislation to expand the legal scope of daily fantasy sports (DFS), allowing players to compete against the house rather than solely against other participants. The bills propose regulatory frameworks, tax structures, and consumer protections for the growing gaming industry.
Illinois’ State Sen. Lakesia Collins put forward Senate Bill 1224, titled the Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act, aiming to fully legalize DFS contests, including traditional peer-to-peer competitions and against-the-house formats. The bill would have the Illinois Gaming Board oversee DFS operators, ensuring compliance with state regulations while granting companies the freedom to manage their digital platforms and contest structures. Taxes for DFS operators would be set at a rate of 10% to 15% of adjusted gross fantasy contest receipts, with licensing fees structured accordingly.
In Maryland, Sen. Jim Rosapepe and Sen. Paul D. Corderman introduced Senate Bill 470, alongside House Bill 484, to broaden the definition of fantasy sports competitions to include contests where a single participant competes against a statistical measurement established by the fantasy competition operator. This change would legalize against-the-house DFS betting, expanding options for players in Maryland while ensuring consumer protections through the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission’s statewide voluntary exclusion program.
Both bills are scheduled for committee hearings in early February, with Maryland’s legislation set to take effect on October 1, 2025, if passed. The move to expand DFS regulations is not limited to Illinois and Maryland, as other states like Hawaii and Kentucky are also considering similar measures in 2025. These legislative efforts aim to provide a clear legal framework and consumer safeguards for the growing daily fantasy sports industry.
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