Pennsylvania House Committee Hosted Hearing to Discuss Daily Fantasy Sports Regulation

pennsylvania_state_sealOn Tuesday, a House committee of Pennsylvania discussed daily fantasy sports regulation and if websites such as FanDuel and DraftKings should be regulated within the state. John Payne, the Committee Chair, stated after the meeting that the first thing the committee is interested in is trying to get a handle on what is out there. Certain states in the US already prohibit the activity while others have limitations on the activity. The hearing took a look at all aspects to see how daily fantasy sports could benefit the state.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Chief Counsel, Doug Sherman, spoke during the hearing, pointing out that while sports betting is illegal in the United States (expect four states), fantasy sports has been thought to be a contest that is predominated by skill and not an activity of chance. With this idea, the DFS sites do not fall into the traditional concept of gambling. Such sites as FanDuel and DraftKings are allowed to operate in the state of Pennsylvania online.

After entering the fifth month of a budget impasse, the state of Pennsylvania seems to be taking a look at any option to help with the budget issues. A bill on the topic of DFS could be created as a standalone option or be added to a larger budget deal that is gaming related to try and help the republican leaders and Governor Tom Wolf make a decision as to how to move forward with the state budget issues.

Some lawmakers are trying to seek expanded gaming revenues that could be used as a source of cash, especially since some lawmakers are not interested in voting for a tax increase. Pennsylvania legislators will have to do something as the state is suffering. Even the lottery is hurting, with officials having to put a delay on payments of winnings over $600 and this has caused players to cut back on purchasing lottery tickets, with a loss of several million dollars from the month of September to October.

It will be interesting to see if the state decides to make any changes in regards to gaming to help with the massive budget issues. Discussions continue with several aspects under consideration by legislators of the state.

 

 

 

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