The fantasy sports debate has hit the Florida legislature as a second bill regarding fantasy sports has been filed for the 2024 session.
A month after Rep. Jason Shoaf prefiled a bill that would broadly legalize just about every form of fantasy sports, Sen. Travis Hutson filed SB1568, which would explicitly legalize fantasy sports while banning fantasy against the house.
SB1568 would legalize and regulate peer-to-peer fantasy games
“It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure public confidence in the integrity of fantasy sports contests and contest operators. This act is designed to regulate the contest operators and individuals who participate in such contests and to enact consumer protections related to fantasy sports contests,” the bill read.
In addition to specifically prohibiting the house from participating in a fantasy contest, the bill also establishes that fantasy contests would need to disclose the prize pool in advance and reflect the knowledge and skill of its participants. Additionally, the legislation would expressly prohibit fantasy games relating to any college sport.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) would oversee fantasy and implement safeguards for the industry. Examples of these safeguards include limiting employees and relatives from taking part in fantasy and age-gating contests to those over the age of 21.
Fantasy and gaming will be a hot legislative topic in 2024
The bill arrives at the same time as Sen. Joe Gruters has publicly asked the FGCC to explain why cease and desist letters were sent to some fantasy operators last fall but not others. Namely, he wants to know when and if FanDuel and DraftKings will receive similar communication.
During last week’s winter meeting of the National Council of Lawmakers from Gaming States (NCLGS), FGCC Vice Chair Julie Brown said there will be nine gambling-related bills during the 2024 legislative session in the state, four of which have FGCC support.
