FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2018
Contact: Aaron Manogue
(608) 310-7547 – media@thefsga.org
FSTA STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF PERMANENT MASSACHUSETTS FANTASY SPORTS LAW
The Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) applauds the decision of Massachusetts legislators to make the state’s 2016 fantasy sports law permanent with the passage of its 2018 budget.
We’re encouraged that the state followed the FSTA’s recommendation to keep the existing law in place as opposed to the recommendation of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Online Gaming, Fantasy Sports Gaming and Daily Fantasy Sports which recommended fantasy sports be treated like gambling. FSTA Chairman Peter Schoenke was a member of the Special Commission and voted against the final recommendations.
The fantasy sports industry has much better prospects for growth in the state today as a result of this path being chosen as the law has had widespread support for its consumer protection measures, confirmation that fantasy sports are legal games of skill and the creation of a fair and even playing field for smaller companies in terms of fees and regulations.
“The fantasy sports industry can move forward in the state of Massachusetts without the threat of burdensome regulations, fees or the risk of being erroneously classified as gambling,” said Schoenke. “The Massachusetts law is a model for the rest of the nation in how it allows startups, and small and large companies to compete without overly burdensome regulations or registration fees.”
The FSTA would like to thank Massachusetts Governor Charlie Barker, who appointed Schoenke to the Special Commission, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Karen Spilka for working with the fantasy sports industry to ensure the continued viability of our industry in their state.
About FSTA
The Fantasy Sports Trade Association represents the fantasy sports industry with over 150 member companies ranging from small startups to large media corporations. As the voice of the industry since 1998, the FSTA has been the leader in providing demographic data, annual conferences and collective action to ensure unfettered growth. For more information, visit https://thefsga.org.