Wisconsin Lawmaker Plans Fantasy Gaming Regulations

Bill Would Regulate Gaming, Including Fantasy Sports

By
Wisconsin state Capitol
Justin Kern (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

A Wisconsin state lawmaker plans to propose regulations for fantasy gaming in the state, including fantasy sports sites.

Rep. Tyler Vorpagel, R-Plymouth, said he is finessing a proposal very similar to one he sponsored last year, but did not pass.

Fantasy gaming is a type of online gaming in which individuals build virtual sports teams made up of professional players. Individuals can wager money on their team’s success.

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Under Vorpagel’s plan, gaming sites would face a series of regulatory requirements to operate in Wisconsin. The bill would also prohibit gaming for individuals less than 18 years old.

A pair of anti-gambling advocacy groups are sounding the alarm about the proposal, calling it a tactic to legalize online gaming in Wisconsin.

“If it’s passed, it’s going to represent the largest expansion of gambling in state history,” said Lorri Pickens, spokeswoman for Citizens Against Expanded Gambling. “You’re literally opening up an internet gambling outlet in every house, and every dorm room and certainly every smart phone in Wisconsin.”

Citizens Against Expanded Gambling is hosting community events around the state to spread the word about the bill.

Vorpagel said people are already using online gaming sites, so there should be protections in place.

“I think it’s pretty clear that people can play now, and this is really to have common sense protections for people who do enjoy playing,” he said.

Vorpagel said the bill will also provide companies certainty that they can legally operate in the state. He doesn’t know when he’ll introduce the bill this session.