This bill addresses public safety by prohibiting certain wagers and activities related to prediction markets, which are systems allowing consumers to place bets on future events not determined by the performance of the parties involved. It introduces new criminal penalties for individuals who create or operate prediction markets, as well as for those who facilitate or advertise such markets. The bill amends existing statutes to include provisions that disqualify individuals with certain criminal convictions from obtaining a lawful gambling license, thereby tightening regulations around gambling activities.

Key amendments include the addition of section 609.7615, which defines prediction markets and outlines the specific activities that are prohibited, such as creating or managing a prediction market platform and advertising related products. The bill also clarifies what constitutes a wager and specifies exceptions for certain activities that are not classified as bets. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.75, 609.76
1st Engrossment: 299L.03, 349.155, 609.75
2nd Engrossment: 299L.03, 609.75
3rd Engrossment: 299L.03, 609.75