SB28 Alabama 2017 Session

Under existing law, there is no provision to allow gaming in the form of fantasy and simulated sports contests

This bill would establish the Fantasy Sports Contests Act to regulate the operation of fantasy or simulated sports contests in this state

This bill would require fantasy sports contest operators to register with the Secretary of State in order to conduct fantasy sports contests in the state, would establish registration and renewal fees, and would provide procedures for the approval or denial of an application

This bill would require fantasy sports contest operators to implement procedures for consumer protection of fantasy sports contest players, would require audits of fantasy sports contest operators, and would provide for the administration and enforcement of the act by the Secretary of State

This bill would also exempt fantasy sports contests from criminal penalties associated with gambling activity

Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds form becoming effective with regard to a local government entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not require approval of a local government entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions contained in the amendment

To establish the Fantasy Sports Contests Act; to regulate fantasy and simulated sports contests; to provide definitions; to require fantasy sports contest operators to register with the Secretary of State in order to conduct fantasy sports contests in the state; to provide for application and renewal fees; to provide for the distribution of application fees; to provide procedures for the approval or denial of an application; to require fantasy sports contest operators to post a surety bond; to require certain fantasy sports contest operators to implement procedures for consumer protection of fantasy sports contest participants; to require an audit of fantasy sports contest operators; to provide for administration and enforcement of the act by the Secretary of State; to provide that certain violations would be deemed a deceptive trade practice; to require fantasy sports contest operators to maintain certain records and to submit annual reports to the Secretary of State; to exempt fantasy sports contests from certain criminal penalties associated with gambling activity; to establish the fantasy sports fund; and to provide for the administering of the fantasy sports fund by the Secretary of State; and in connection therewith would have its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recomplilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.