Bill > HB4323

This bill, titled the Fantasy Contests Act, establishes regulations for fantasy contests, which are defined as simulated games or contests where winning participants can receive prizes, the value of which is predetermined and announced in advance, and where outcomes are primarily determined by the skill and knowledge of participants based on accumulated statistical results, rather than solely on the performance of a single team or athlete. The Act requires fantasy contest operators, defined as entities offering these contests for prizes, to implement specific policies and procedures, including preventing employees from participating, safeguarding confidential player information, verifying participants are 18 or older, restricting individuals involved in actual games from participating in related fantasy contests, allowing self-exclusion, limiting the number of entries per player, checking for significant tax liens or child support obligations before awarding large prizes, segregating player funds from operational funds, and conducting annual independent audits that are submitted to the Attorney General's office. Violations of the Act can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, recoverable by the Attorney General. Crucially, this bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to explicitly state that participants in fantasy contests, as defined by this new Act, will not be convicted of gambling, thereby clarifying their legal status.