Illinois Weighs Legalization of Daily Fantasy Sports Betting

The Illinois Gaming Board would oversee the contests and operators who violate the law would face fines

Illinois lawmakers will try to legalize gambling in online daily fantasy sports with a measure to regulate various aspects of how the businesses operate. 

A measure is scheduled to have its first vote in a House committee Wednesday would forbid company employees and anyone under age 21 from participating in the games. 

The Illinois Gaming Board would oversee the contests and operators who violate the law would face fines. Operators also would be required to pay licensing fees based on their revenue. 

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued an opinion in December saying the games are illegal. Other states have come to the same conclusion and some are trying to regulate the contests through legislation. 

Industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel have been pushing for regulation in Illinois and other states. 

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