Iowa Fantasy Sports Bill Gets Approval From State Senate

In the wake of the fantasy sports phenomenon gripping the U.S., a bill to legal the activity in Iowa has been given the green light in the State Senate.  Iowa casinos could also offer fantasy sports with cash payoffs under some circumstances.

Senate Study Bill 1068 was approved by the Senate State Government Committee on a voice vote with only one dissent. 

Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls, a sponsor of the bill, said the proposal would clarify that fantasy sports is not gambling.  While federal legislation makes fantasy sports legal under a 2006 measure, some individual states, including Iowa, prohibit such contests for real cash money.

"Fantasy sports as defined by the U.S. government is a game of skill. It is not a game of chance," Danielson said.

Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, voted against the bill out of concerns for those with gambling addictions.

"I understand that this has great popularity, but do we really need to legalize these activities, and what kind of a message does that send?" Johnson said.

Until now, most Daily Fantasy Sports sites have prohibited residents of Iowa from playing at their respective sites.

Amendments to the bill were anticipated. 

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com