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Senate committee hears conflicting testimony on bill to authorize online fantasy sports and wagering
Summary
Senate Bill 551 would authorize online fantasy sports contests, give the Montana Department of Justice licensing and rulemaking authority, set age limits and fees, and carve out definitions that opponents say could permit online sports betting; supporters say it legalizes a regulated industry and could raise modest revenue.
Helena — The Montana Senate Business and Labor Committee on April 1 heard testimony on Senate Bill 551, a proposal to authorize online fantasy sports contests for Montana residents and give the Department of Justice licensing and rulemaking authority for those contests and related online activity.
Sponsor Sen. Forrest Mandeville, who introduced the bill, told the committee fantasy sports should be treated differently from gambling. "Fantasy sports is a game of skill. It's not gambling," Mandeville said, briefly summarizing the bill's definitions and noting the measure sets an 18-year minimum age for participants and requires that the "value of all prizes and awards is established and made known in advance of the contest." He said the measure directs some license-fee revenue toward property tax relief but…
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