Fantasy sports bill introduced in Iowa

Senate Study Bill 1068 managed by Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls that clarifies the legal status of playing Fantasy Sports in Iowa was approved by the Senate State Government Committee this week paving the way for Iowa to join 46 other states where the pastime is legal (see previous reports).

The bill seeks to clarify whether fantasy sports is considered gambling and follows a similar bill introduced last session which didn’t make it past the Senate floor.

“Fantasy sports as defined by the U.S. government is a game of skill. It is not a game of chance,” Danielson said.

Should the bill be passed, Iowa casinos would not need approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to offer fantasy sports.

Danielson expects amendments to the bill will be proposed such as an age restriction, proof of integrity of the games and the like but is quietly optimistic that passage of the bill is promising.

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