Legislation Aims to Update Fantasy Sports Laws

Liz Gullett

Jul 07, 2017

This week, Representatives Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis) and Representative Jim Tedder (R-Clarkston) detailed their legislation aimed at updating state laws to keep pace with evolving technology and maintain the legality of fantasy sports services. This is an important issue to the over 1.6 million people in Michigan who play fantasy sports each year.

Highlights of the legislation include:

Affirm that fantasy sports is legal
Update Michigan law to keep pace with guidelines in federal law
Establish regulations and licensing for all companies offering fantasy sports
Prohibit any fantasy sports contest tied to college or high school events
Keep players’ funds separate and protected
Ensure that those playing fantasy sports are at least eighteen-years old
Measures to protect privacy and accounts

MLC clients, Draft Kings and FanDuel are two of the major providers of fantasy sports services. The legislation would ensure they can continue to operate within the state, while balancing protections for Michigan residents. Because fantasy sports is an evolving and growing industry, Michigan’s current regulatory system does not have a mechanism to ensure consumers are protected and the bad actors are held accountable. The bills were referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee for consideration.

Twelve other states have passed similar legislation, and more than fifteen states are considering similar laws.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.