The Ohio Senate is mulling a bill that would continue the legal status of fantasy sports in the Buckeye State.
Senator Dave Burke is the author of bill 375, which specifies that the Ohio Casino Control Commission would have similar regulatory authority over the games as it currently does over so-called “skill games.”
It would amend the state’s existing gaming laws. It would give the commission the authority to license and regulate fantasy sports, including charging them a non-refundable license fee of $30,000.
It would ban fantasy sports operator’s employees or family members from participating in contests and from making privileged information available to third parties. Minors would be prohibited from participation and the games would not be allowed to use college or high school athletic performances.
Very few days remain in this year’s legislative calendar, so it has been speculated that the real purpose of introducing the bill was to begin a public dialogue as to whether fantasy sports should be allowed—with the likelihood of a legislative vote next year.
