Florida legislators want to regulate, not ban fantasy sports

Author: the associated press
Published:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida may try to regulate the growing fantasy sports industry.

Two top Republican state legislators on Tuesday announced they have filed a bill for the 2016 session that would make it clear that betting on fantasy sports in the state is legal. One of the sponsors is Sen. Joe Negron, a Jupiter Republican in line to become Senate president.

But the proposal would also add regulations, including requiring companies that offer fantasy betting to register with the state. It would also prohibit athletes or game officials from participating in any fantasy sports contests they are involved with.

The move to regulate fantasy sports comes amid a growing scrutiny of the industry, particularly of those companies that specialize in daily or weekly fantasy contests.

While federal law has an exception utilized by those in the fantasy sports industry, the legal situation in Florida in murkier.

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