Florida Legislature Faces Key Fantasy Sports Legislation in 2024 Session

Following Representative Jason Shoaf’s bill filed a month ago to broadly legalize various forms of fantasy sports, Senator Travis Hutson has introduced SB1568, a bill aimed at explicitly legalizing fantasy sports while prohibiting contests against the house.

SB1568: Regulating Fantasy Sports

SB1568 proposes to legalize and regulate peer-to-peer fantasy games. The bill is designed to regulate contest operators and participants, ensuring public confidence and integrity in fantasy sports contests. It intends to provide a framework for consumer protection in fantasy sports.

The bill includes specific prohibitions, such as barring the house from participating in fantasy contests. It mandates that fantasy contests must disclose the prize pool in advance and reflect the knowledge and skill of participants. Notably, the bill seeks to prohibit fantasy games related to any college sport.

Oversight by Florida Gaming Control Commission

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) would oversee the fantasy sports industry, implementing safeguards like age restrictions and employee participation limitations. These measures are intended to maintain the integrity and fairness of fantasy sports.

Senator Joe Gruters has raised questions regarding the FGCC’s issuance of cease and desist letters to some fantasy operators but not others, including major players like FanDuel and DraftKings. This query aligns with the broader discussion about the regulation of fantasy sports operators in the state.

FGCC Vice Chair Julie Brown announced at the National Council of Lawmakers from Gaming States meeting that nine gambling-related bills are expected in the 2024 legislative session, four of which have FGCC’s support. This highlights the legislative focus on gambling and gaming issues in the coming year.

Our Comment on the Article

The introduction of SB1568, alongside other proposed legislation, indicates a pivotal moment for the regulation of fantasy sports in Florida. The bill’s focus on consumer protection, integrity, and regulation underlines the state’s commitment to establishing a well-regulated and responsible gaming environment.

The scrutiny of the operations of major fantasy sports platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings reflects the complexities of regulating an evolving digital gaming landscape. The upcoming legislative session in Florida is set to be a crucial period for shaping the future of fantasy sports and gaming, balancing industry growth with consumer protection and ethical practices. As these discussions unfold, they will likely set significant precedents for other states grappling with similar regulatory challenges in the gaming sector.