Maine passes fantasy sports law
The northernmost state in the New England region has become the fifth state to legalise daily fantasy sports in the US in 2017.
US.- Maine’s Governor Paul LePage had time to sign or veto the bill that legalised daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state until late Tuesday, and since he didn’t actually do anything, the bill turned into law. Maine has now become the fifteenth state in the US to regulate DFS, and the fifth to do it this year.
Spokesperson for DraftKings and FanDuel, Marc La Vorgna, said: “Maine is now the 15th state to adopt a regulatory framework to protect the right to play fantasy sports, protect consumers and help a booming piece of the tech economy continue to grow. Thanks to action by the legislature — led by Senators Carpenter, Jackson, Katz, and Mason, and Representatives Dillingham, Farrin, Golden and Luchini — up to 200,000 Mainers will continue to enjoy our new national pastime — fantasy sports — under a framework of sensible, light-touch consumer protections.”
The law establishes that the licensing fee for operators in the state with more than US$100k in revenue is US$2.5k, but the item only applies to DraftKings and FanDuel, as the other companies are significantly smaller. Moreover, the companies also have to pay a 10 percent tax on gross revenue, as Legal Sports Report revealed. The Gambling Control Unit within the Department of Public Safety will be in charge of overseeing the operators, and the director will have the power to promulgate rules.
Operators also have to prevent employees from playing, as well as determine responsible gaming protocols. The minimum age for people be able to play DFS will be 18 years old. Arkansas, New Hampshire, Vermont and Delaware are the other four states to legalise DFS this year.
