New Jersey Governor gives thumbs up to DFS bill

Under the new Daily Fantasy Sports legislation, players are allowed to deposit money into accounts and assemble virtual teams made up of real professional athletes. The bill forbids people under the age of 18 and those with financial interests in the fantasy sports industry from playing the games.

As part of the state efforts to protect consumers, New Jersey will also impose fines on actions that “tamper with the fantasy sports operations” or affect the outcomes of games.

“This puts important consumer protections in place that were missing in the fantasy sports industry,” said Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), a bill sponsor. “This helps keep the games honest and consumers protected.”

The bill was authored by the late state Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), who recently died after suffering a heart attack. The law enables daily fantasy sports operators to partner with a casino or racetrack and prohibits the use of high school sports games and players.

“The fantasy sports industry is a growing market year after year,” said Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic), another bill sponsor. “The time is right for New Jersey to enter the fold with regulations aimed at providing strong consumer protections for our residents."