Illinois and Maryland consider legalization of DFS contests

30 January 2025 at 5:33am UTC-5

Lawmakers in Illinois and Maryland have introduced new bills to legalize DFS contests.

Last week, Illinois senator Lakesia Collins introduced SB 1224, the Fantasy Sports Consumer Act, to the 104th General Assembly. The bill would authorize all DFS contests in the Prairie State, including peer-to-peer and against-the-house contests.

The tax on DFS in Illinois would be between 10% and 15%, with operators needing to pay 8% of adjusted fantasy receipts to gain an initial four-year license.

Fantasy operators’ registration and renewal fees would go to the state, with 85% going to the state’s gaming fund, and the remaining 15% going towards programs that treat compulsive gambling.

In addition, Maryland senators Jim Rosapepe and Paul D. Corderman lodged SB 470 and companion HB 484 from Delegate Eric Ebersole to the Budget and Taxation Committee last week. The legislation would require a state-wide voluntary exclusion program for fantasy sports contests.

The bills also call for altering the definition of ‘fantasy competition’ to include against-the-house DFS and peer-to-peer contests.

A hearing is scheduled for February 12. If passed, the DFS regulation will come into effect statewide on October 1.

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