Lawmaker Wants State To Officially Legalize Fantasy Sports

ST. PAUL (AP) - A Republican lawmaker wants state law to clearly show that fantasy sports games are legal in Minnesota.

Rep. Tim Sanders has a bill up Tuesday in committee that would clarify under state law that fantasy games are not gambling and are legal in Minnesota. He says current law doesn't clearly address the games.

The Blaine Republican's bill would exempt fantasy game operators from being taxed by the state. He says these companies have prospered without government regulation and should continue to do so in Minnesota.

Sanders' bill comes as other states seek to regulate or even outlaw popular fantasy sites like Draft Kings or FanDuel that are growing in popularity.

Sanders says now is the best time to discuss fantasy sports while there's no pending litigation or disputes in Minnesota.