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TOPEKA, Kansas — (Associated Press) - Fantasy sports would be declared a legal game of skill under a bill approved by the Kansas Senate in a 37-1 vote Monday.
Lawmakers moved several pieces of legislation as they shift into the final stretch of the session. The fantasy sports bill would clarify an ongoing dispute over the legal status of fantasy football leagues if passed by the House and signed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
The Kansas Constitution allows only the state to administer games that fit a broad definition of lottery, and the state's gambling regulator announced in August it viewed private fantasy sports leagues as illegal lotteries. But Attorney General Derek Schmidt released an opinion in April asserting that they are legal games of skill.
Here's a look at the significant legislation taken up by lawmakers Monday:
FANTASY SPORTS
In fantasy sports leagues, players compete against one another by making up digital teams out of a pool of real athletes and tracking how well they play in their games. Players are awarded a score based on the performance of their assortment of athletes, and leagues and fantasy sports websites often award cash prizes to the best teams.
Republican Rep. Brett Hildabrand from Shawnee has said he introduced the fantasy sports legalization language to prevent ordinary residents from being charged with gambling violations for playing the popular games.
The bill would also set new regulations for charity bingo and raffle fundraisers.
