The West Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports Contest Act seeks to regulate daily fantasy sports contests in the state by establishing a legal framework for their operation. The bill assigns oversight responsibilities to the West Virginia Lottery Commission, which will handle the licensing of contest operators, collect fees, and conduct audits. It sets the minimum age for participants at 19 and prohibits contests based on high school or lower-level sporting events. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these contests are not classified as gambling under existing laws, promoting a regulated environment for participants.

Key provisions of the bill include a 15% tax on the adjusted gross receipts from daily fantasy sports contests, the creation of the West Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports Contests Fund, and requirements for operators to provide resources for compulsive gaming assistance and self-exclusion options. The legislation also emphasizes the integrity of the fantasy sports industry by allowing the commission to investigate prohibited conduct and report findings to law enforcement. Additionally, it mandates that the commission notify relevant sports governing bodies of any complaints against athletes and establishes a financial structure for managing revenues, ensuring responsible gaming practices are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29-22F-1, 29-22F-2, 29-22F-3, 29-22F-4, 29-22F-5, 29-22F-6, 29-22F-7, 29-22F-8, 29-22F-9, 29-22F-10