Legislature should clean up gray areas for fantasy sports

With the highest per-capita participation rates in the country, Minnesota is America's hotbed for fantasy sports. Conservative estimates say that nearly 1 million Minnesotans are fantasy sports players, and the state is home to over a dozen fantasy sports companies. It's also home to the longest-running fantasy sports radio show — mine — on KFAN each Saturday during the NFL season since 1995.

I can safely say that every single Minnesotan who reads this story knows someone who plays fantasy sports. They're our friends, co-workers and extended family members. It's a pastime that brings together passionate fans who spend hours comparing notes at the water cooler and around the dinner table.

Fantasy sports, in all their iterations, have always been legal for Minnesotans. They are legal today, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has said that "Minnesota currently follows federal law, which permits fantasy sports. Currently, there is no prohibition in Minnesota in regards to fantasy sports."

So what is the issue?

Fantasy sports have become more accessible and more fun to play, thanks to new technology. Twenty years ago, players had to hand-calculate statistics using the daily paper, and only the most dedicated were willing to make this painstaking effort. But now, technology has filled in the gaps; players not only don't need to break out a calculator to determine the winner, they can watch their teams' scores unfold in real time on their cellphones or even the on video monitors at Target Field.

Minnesota recognizes that fantasy sports are legal, but the applicable laws are outdated — written long before mobile technology and innovation became parts of daily lives. We need to make sure no one ever takes advantage of any legal gray area to take fantasy sports away from our state.

The Minnesota Legislature has stepped up to do just that. The House recently overwhelmingly passed legislation to formally legalize fantasy sports. The Senate soon will consider a similar bill.

Why are they needed?

Because fantasy sports are growing into a major industry, now played by nearly 1 million in our state. Every large consumer industry should have consumer protections in place. Fantasy sports are no different, and some basic rules are needed to ensure that all companies treat customers fairly.

The legislation puts important safeguards in place. Players deserve the certainty of knowing that they are protected when they enter a contest. This bill levels the playing field, so casual fans don't have to fear competing against an unknown competitor armed with computer programs that give them an unfair advantage. It makes sure that kids under age 18 aren't playing fantasy sports for money and that employees of fantasy sports operators don't participate in these contests.

Further, this bill will ensure that fantasy sports operators keep player funds separate from operating funds to guarantee that players can access their money at all times. And it will require fantasy sports businesses to submit an annual independent audit of their activity to ensure that they are abiding by these important rules.

We play fantasy sports because they give us a dramatically higher level of engagement than passively watching our teams, and they open up the world of sports to give fans exposure to new teams, new players and new experiences. I've begrudgingly accepted the fact that I'm never going to have Rick Spielman's job. But even if I'm not the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, I get to evaluate players, scout opponents, make projections and assemble a team of players. I marshal all of the skill, resources and creativity I can muster to create a winning fantasy roster of players. It's deeply gratifying — and just plain fun.

On behalf of Minnesota sports fans and fantasy enthusiasts, I urge the Senate to support SF 3007. This bill will ensure that our friends and family members can continue the pastime they love with the knowledge that they are playing safely, securely and legally.