Maryland Could be First State to Let Voters Decide on Daily Fantasy Sports Legality
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Associated Press) -- Maryland would become the first state to let voters decide whether the popular but controversial phenomenon of fantasy sports betting is fully legal, under bills now pending in the legislature.
State senators voted unanimously Wednesday for two bills. They now go to the House.
One measure would ask voters to decide in November whether to allow commercial daily fantasy sports betting. The second would define daily fantasy sports betting as illegal, except in small social groups, unless voters say otherwise.
Maryland's attorney general has advised lawmakers to clarify the law. He noted commercial gambling expansion requires voter approval. That's due to a 2008 constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling.
Nationwide, state lawmakers have been debating the issue. Nearly 30 legislatures are considering proposals to regulate, ban or affirm the practice.
