House Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee unanimously clears HB 223 exempting fantasy sports from state gambling regulation
On Tuesday the Florida House Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee unanimously progressed HB223, a bill proposing the exemption of fantasy sports from state gambling regulation.
Bill sponsor Rep. Jason Brodeur said that playing fantasy sports is no different than a “fishing tournament” or a “dog show,” and that the vertical is a skill game in which players need competence and talent in order to win. He claimed that around 3 million Florida residents play some sort of fantasy sport.
Brodeur re-filed his proposal last year after it failed to progress; following its successful passage through the Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee, HB223 now moves to the House Ways & Means Committee.
Another, and similar proposal filed by Senator Dana Young in the state Senate – SB 374 – is also on the agenda this session and is currently awaiting attention in the Rules Committee.