Texas joins DFS regulation push

A Texas politician has introduced a trio of bills seeking to regulate DFS in the state.

Each of the bills comes from House Representative Richard Raymond and include various clauses that mimic other state-level regulations of the activity, such as player protections.

The annual registration fee for a licence would be set at $5,000, while oversight of the industry would be given to the Secretary of State.

Customers would also be given the ability to take legal action against operators to the Attorney General’s office.

The specifics vary across each of the bills – two label DFS a game of skill for example – perhaps allowing legislators to choose the one they think is most suitable.

“This legislation will clarify a confusing and ambiguous law and affirm that fantasy sports are legal in Texas,” said Raymond.  “The government should not be limiting the freedom of Texans to participate in fantasy sports contests, which are clearly a game of skill, not chance.”

Representative John Kuempel, who co-sponsored one of the bills, added, “I am proud to support legislation that protects Texans’ right to participate in fantasy sports contests, while preventing unnecessary government involvement in Texans personal lives and pocketbooks.”

Texas is one of the most important state in the battle to regulate DFS, as it is the second most populous state and its AG has issued an unfavourable opinion on the activity.

As a result, FanDuel does not operate in the state, but DraftKings does.

Ted Kasten, founder of DraftAnalyzer.com, a fantasy sports information provider based in Austin, said in a press release: “Texas has been a major beneficiary of the fantasy sports industry.

“Over a dozen fantasy-sports related businesses are headquartered here in Texas. I look forward to supporting Reps. Raymond, Kuempel, Anderson, White, and Herrero as they work to protect an industry that is not only enjoyed by millions, but is also a growing source of jobs and revenue for our great state.”