Citizen Portal
Sign In

Subcommittee reports bill clarifying fantasy contest permitting, adding small tax for problem‑gambling supports

Subcommittee on ABC and Gaming · January 28, 2026

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

HB 145 clarifies fantasy contest definitions, establishes consistent permitting/renewal rules and imposes a 10% tax (with 5% to problem‑gambling programs). The sponsor and industry representatives said the measure levels the playing field among operators; the committee voted 9–0 to report and refer the bill to appropriations.

Speaker 21 introduced HB 145 to clarify the definition of fantasy contest, create consistent permitting requirements for operators, impose a 10% tax on operator revenue and strengthen the regulatory framework to distinguish fantasy contests from sports betting.

The sponsor said clearer definitions and permit requirements will protect consumers and generate revenue; he noted that 5% of the new revenue would go to problem‑gambling funds. A representative of the Sports Betting Alliance supported the measure, recalling earlier work to establish fantasy contest rules in the Commonwealth.

Delegate Seabolt moved to report and refer HB 145 to appropriations; the motion passed 9–0.