The Coalition for Fantasy Sports, a group of leading daily fantasy sports operators, has announced its support for Illinois House Bill 5648, the Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act. The bill seeks to lay down a regulatory framework for DFS in Illinois, with a focus on safeguarding players, ensuring responsible gaming practices and fostering the growth of the industry.
The legalization of sports betting in Illinois in 2019 left a gap in the comprehensive legislative protection for DFS. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the Coalition for Fantasy Sports emphasized the bill’s role in providing legal clarity and security for fantasy sports players across the state in its press release supporting the bill, stating, “This proposed framework would close an essential chapter in the effort to safeguard fantasy sports fans throughout Illinois.”
Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, who sponsored the bill, added, “our goal is to provide a secure environment for fantasy sports fans across the state of Illinois. This legislation is a positive step toward ensuring that fantasy sports enthusiasts can continue participating in these contests with confidence.”
Echoing Delgado’s sentiments, Sen. Lakesia Collins, who also sponsored the bill, highlighted the increasing popularity of daily fantasy sports and the necessity for legislative action.
“With the popularity of daily fantasy sports soaring, now is the time to codify the industry’s legal status into state law and ensure Illinois players are best protected,” Collins said. “That is why I’m incredibly excited to take the lead on legislation that would not only allow sports fans to continue playing the daily fantasy contests they love, but do so in a way that protects their best interests, puts up guardrails to keep bad actors out of the market, and generates potentially tens of millions in new tax revenue for Illinois.”
