The Georgia Senate Regulated Industries Committee recently voted unanimously to approve House Bill 118, which would legalize and regulate daily online fantasy sports. The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Trey Kelley, said the legislation will protect consumers and that DFS are games of skill requiring research and practice.
The legislation would require players to be at least 18 years old and ban college athletes from participating. Operators like FanDuel and DraftKings would pay a 6 percent tax.
Opponents included Concerned Women For America State Director Tanya Ditty. She said, “Where we’re concerned is just the impact that gambling has on individuals and on the family.” She stated gambling leads to higher instances of alcohol or drug use and mental illness.
Last year the bill died on the Senate floor on the last day of the legislative session. To date, 19 states have passed similar measures.
