California Senate Backs Rules For Fantasy Sports Betting

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California lawmakers are advancing minimal regulations for the fast-growing daily fantasy sports industry amid a national debate over whether the online games violate states' gambling laws.

AB1437 by Assemblyman Adam Gray of Merced would legalize the games and require operators to pay regulatory fees and be licensed.

Fellow Democratic Assemblyman Marc Levine of San Rafael says the games are a form of gambling that can only be approved by voters.

The Assembly approved the bill Wednesday on a 64-1 vote, sending it to the Senate.

The debate centers on whether the games rely on skill or chance.

Participants choose players and can win money based on the professional athletes' real-world performances.

If they are deemed games of chance, they may be illegal in California along with other several other states.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.