Louisiana
representative Joe Lopinto has filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would legalize playing real-money fantasy football in the state.
As more and more US states open themselves up to daily fantasy sports sites, Lopinto hopes that the state can join in on the fun.
Lopinto told WWTL in Louisiana that he isn’t looking to create a major overhaul of the state’s gambling laws. He’s simply seeking clarification that fantasy sports is not a form of gambling.
“We’re not betting on the outcome of a game or a point spread. Fantasy Football is a game of skill,” said Lopinto.
The representative also added that the proposed bill would allow Louisiana residents to collect money online should they win in any pay-to-play fantasy football game they enter.
Louisiana is one of a handful of states that has yet to legalize real-money fantasy sports games.
Public demand to play fantasy football has grown in recent months thanks to the popularity of daily fantasy sports sites like FanDuel and DraftKings. According to Lopinto, residents of the state don’t want to worry about breaking any laws.
Meanwhile, the Fantasy Sports Combine has added some credibility to its first-ever gathering on July 17 to 19, 2015 after announcing the participation of ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Regarded as one of the most influential sports media personalities in the world, Schefter has universal acclaim in the world of professional football and was named SI.com’s “Media Person of the Year” in 2014.
“Fantasy Sports Combine represents a live, premium education and experience in fantasy sports. What you are going to learn and participate in will dramatically enhance your ability to excel in fantasy sports while simultaneously giving you the experience of a lifetime,” Schefter said in a statement. “I am honored to be part of it and I look forward to sharing my unique perspective and insights in order to help you gain an edge.”
Schefter will be joined in the event by other NFL luminaries, including former head coaches Mike Shanahan and Mike Ditka, current NFL players Brandon Marshall, Von Miller, Miles Austin, Kyle Orton, and Michael Floyd and fellow ESPN colleagueMatthew Berry.
