Post by Logan on Apr 30, 2016 5:20:15 GMT -6
Fantasy sports industry is on the verge of a big win at Minnesota Capitol
The daily fantasy sports industry is close to a sweeping victory at the Legislature, which would ensure that thousands of Minnesotans can continue to test their skill and luck against other players for cash every day at the touch of a cellphone.
The issue has reopened a heated debate on the nature of gambling in Minnesota. Legislators trying to legalize the games — and at least a half-dozen lobbyists swarming the State Capitol — say fantasy sports are not gambling but rather a skill-based hobby that tens of thousands of Minnesotans enjoy safely. The players should be granted the certainty that their activity — and in some cases livelihood — is legal, say industry advocates.
“The horse is out of the barn,” said Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, who is the author of a bill legalizing fantasy sports but with consumer protections attached. The Senate could take it up as soon as next week after the House overwhelmingly passed a version earlier in April. “So what do we do to make sure people don’t go broke or get addicted and make sure we don’t have children playing?” Pappas asked.
Ongoing national debate
Opponents fear the Legislature’s move amounts to a massive expansion of gambling without a thorough debate about the social and economic costs, particularly as states like New York and Nevada have paused the daily fantasy games they liken to sports betting.
Read more: www.startribune.com/fantasy-sports-industry-seeks-legal-status-opponents-say-it-s-gambling/377660771/
The daily fantasy sports industry is close to a sweeping victory at the Legislature, which would ensure that thousands of Minnesotans can continue to test their skill and luck against other players for cash every day at the touch of a cellphone.
The issue has reopened a heated debate on the nature of gambling in Minnesota. Legislators trying to legalize the games — and at least a half-dozen lobbyists swarming the State Capitol — say fantasy sports are not gambling but rather a skill-based hobby that tens of thousands of Minnesotans enjoy safely. The players should be granted the certainty that their activity — and in some cases livelihood — is legal, say industry advocates.
“The horse is out of the barn,” said Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, who is the author of a bill legalizing fantasy sports but with consumer protections attached. The Senate could take it up as soon as next week after the House overwhelmingly passed a version earlier in April. “So what do we do to make sure people don’t go broke or get addicted and make sure we don’t have children playing?” Pappas asked.
Ongoing national debate
Opponents fear the Legislature’s move amounts to a massive expansion of gambling without a thorough debate about the social and economic costs, particularly as states like New York and Nevada have paused the daily fantasy games they liken to sports betting.
Read more: www.startribune.com/fantasy-sports-industry-seeks-legal-status-opponents-say-it-s-gambling/377660771/