Pro DFS bill filed in Florida
HB149 defines activity as a game of skill and exempt from gambling regulations
A Florida House representative has introduced a new bill seeking to establish DFS as a legal activity in the state.
Representative Jason Brodeur filed measure HB 149 on Wednesday, which aims to exempt fantasy contests from regulation by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The department oversees all gambling in the Sunshine State.
The bill claims DFS contests “reflect the relative knowledge and skill of the participants” and therefore are not games of chance, which would make them legal under Florida law.
Two similar bills were introduced without success in the state last year, although both sought to regulate the activity, unlike Brodeur’s attempt.
Brodeur told FloridaPolitics.com he was motivated by a desire to clarify the legal situation for DFS players like himself.
“The millions of Floridians who play fantasy games deserve to know that what they’re doing is not a crime,” he said.
A spokesperson for FanDuel and DraftKings added: “We look forward to working with Rep. Brodeur during the upcoming legislative session and, on behalf of the three million Floridians who love fantasy sports and want to keep their favorite pastime legal, we thank him for his support of fantasy sports.”