New Jersey senator proposes draft bill to regulate DFS
Senator Jim Whelan says state has obligation to ensure DFS is âfair, impartial and transparent to everyoneâ
A New Jersey senator has set out plans to regulate daily fantasy sports, just a week after Governor Christie dismissed the issue during a recent Republican presidential debate.
Senator Jim Whelan indicated DFS was high on his agenda as he revealed plans to introduce a bill regulating the sport. In a Facebook post, he disclosed he had sent a letter to Dave Rebuck, director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement and Matt Levinson, chairman of the Casino Control Commission, about his intention to introduce legislation to regulate daily fantasy sports.
In his letter, Whelan stated: âI donât believe we should impede oneâs enjoyment of fantasy sports. Casinos can use fantasy sports, especially during football season, to bring people to Atlantic City to play in these competitions.â
Following the recent data leak scandal and allegations of insider trading and corruption within the DFS market, Whelan argued there was a need for regulation. âWe have an obligation to ensure that fantasy sports competition is fair, impartial and transparent to everyone,â Whelan said.
“The Division has done a great job of regulating internet gaming companies and ensuring there are safeguards in place. We want to make sure that those same safeguards are in place with daily fantasy sports,” he added.
Levinsonâs office confirmed it had received the letter: “We received Senator Whelan’s letter and we will be happy to discuss this issue with him, but it would be premature to say anything about his proposed legislation right now.”
Senator Whelan is said to be awaiting input on the legislation from Rebuck, Levinson, the Governor’s office and other stakeholders.