Staff Report
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS — Daily fantasy sports, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, are one step closer to becoming a legitimate business in Indiana.
The House Thursday approved regulations on the industry 82-12.
“Daily fantasy sports have grown exponentially since their start in the early 2000s, and we want to ensure that the nearly 1 million users in Indiana are participating in a supervised game,” Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Seelyville, said in a statement. “Ensuring that there are basic consumer protections, transparency and strict age limits will give all participants assurance of a fair game.”
Under the current version of Senate Bill 339, the Gaming Commission would regulate daily fantasy sports websites. In addition to online games, the bill would also legitimize daily fantasy sports on riverboats, at racinos and at off-track betting satellite facilities.
“I do think, as this industry continues to evolve and to expand, it’s going to be incumbent upon us to make knowledgable public policy and continue to monitor it,” said Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson.
Morrison said about 30 other states are considering similar legislation.
“We are kind of the boilerplate and the leader in the country,” he said. “And it’s important for us to do this rather than down the road a unilateral decision by a judge or an attorney general or a governor.”
Senate Bill 339 now returns to the Senate for further consideration.
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