House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North
Reading) has appointed State Representative Jim Kelcourse (R-Amesbury) to serve
on a special commission charged with conducting a comprehensive study relative
to the regulation of online gaming, fantasy sports gaming and daily fantasy
sports.
Created as part of a statewide economic development bill
signed into law by Governor Baker on August 10, the nine-member special
commission will consider all aspects of online gaming and fantasy sports,
including issues related to economic development, consumer protection, taxation,
legal and regulatory structures, the implications for existing gaming, and the
burdens and benefits to the Commonwealth. The special commission is due to
report back with its findings and recommendations by July 31, 2017.
“Fantasy sports gaming has come under increased scrutiny
this session, and it is important for the state to maintain proper oversight of
the industry to ensure that consumers are protected,” said Representative
Jones. “I am confident that Jim’s
knowledge and insight as a member of the Joint Committee on Economic
Development and Emerging Technologies will help guide the special commission as
it works to develop a plan to address the many issues surrounding fantasy
sports gaming in the Commonwealth.”
Under the economic development bill, online fantasy sports
companies like the Boston-based DraftKings are allowed to operate in
Massachusetts until July 31, 2018 as long as they comply with regulations
established by Attorney General Maura Healey.
Those regulations, which took effect on July 1, limit participation in
fantasy sports contests to individuals who are 21 or older, prohibit fantasy
sports contests that are tied in to amateur or college athletic events, and
establish a deposit limit of $1,000 per month for most players.
The special commission will be chaired by State
Representative Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee) and Senator Eileen Donoghue
(D-Lowell), who currently serve as the House and Senate Chairs of the Joint
Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. The commission will also include a member
appointed by Governor Baker with industry expertise in fantasy sports gaming, a
member appointed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and a member appointed
by the Attorney General who has expertise in fantasy sports gaming consumer
protection.
Representative Kelcourse represents
the First Essex District, which
includes the communities of Amesbury, Newburyport and Salisbury. In addition to serving on the Joint Committee
on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, he is also a member of the
Joint Committee on Education and the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural
Resources and Agriculture.
