Fantasy Sports Bill Clears Pa. House Committee
HARRISBURG (CBS) -- A state House committee Wednesday morning advanced a bill that would legalize and regulate fantasy sports betting in Pennsylvania.
Supporters of the fantasy sports legislation say the aim is to regulate an industry that currently operates without consumer protections.
One key aspect of the bill approved by the Gaming Oversight Committee is that it will not be run exclusively though Pennsylvania's existing casinos. The sponsor of the bill, Westmoreland County Republican George Dunbar, says lawmakers want to make sure smaller fantasy sports operators aren't shut out.
But Dunbar says there are some provisions for casinos.
"Only a casino can have an open kiosk, where you can go into the casino and they can partner with the different companies and have a kiosk there to play your fantasy sports."
But beware that under the legislation, players will get a 1099 form from fantasy sports companies for taxes. Even if they become law, the new regulations may not be in effect for the start of the NFL season -- the status quo would remain until they are.