The West Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports Contest Act seeks to establish a regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports contests in the state. It allows participants to create and manage imaginary teams in competitions against contest operators while defining key terms and outlining the responsibilities of the West Virginia Lottery Commission. The bill mandates licensing for operators, independent audits, and imposes a 15% tax on the adjusted gross daily fantasy sports contest receipts. Additionally, it creates the West Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports Contests Fund, which will support compulsive gaming assistance and self-exclusion measures for participants.

Key provisions include age restrictions for participants, prohibiting contests based on high school or lower sporting events, and clarifying that daily fantasy sports contests are not classified as gambling under state law if they comply with the regulations. The Lottery Commission is empowered to investigate prohibited conduct and report findings to law enforcement, while also ensuring the integrity of operators through background checks and documentation requirements. The bill emphasizes responsible gaming practices, including the forfeiture of winnings for self-excluded individuals, which will be donated to problem gaming charities.

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