Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, said in a statement he wants the Legislature to legalize and regulate big money fantasy sports, which has exploded across Minnesota and the nation in recent years, particularly on the sites FanDuel and DraftKings.
A Twin Cities man recently won $1 million on FanDuel.
Atkins said his legislation would clarify that fantasy sports betting is legal while also requiring licensing by the Department of Public Safety. Licensure would entail background checks and audits of the companies.
He said stricter regulation is needed to provide consumer protections.
Fantasy sports betting has come under intense scrutiny in recent months following significant marketing campaigns by the two big fantasy companies. Nevada regulators recently classified the fantasy games as gambling, thus requiring licensing by fantasy sports companies. That move was viewed as significant because of Nevada's status as the only place in the country that allows legal sports gambling.
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