Republicans in Madison introduce bill to legalize fantasy sports

MADISON — A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill that would allow online fantasy sports in Wisconsin if site operators register with the state.

Under Rep. Tyler Vorpagel's bill, anyone who offers fantasy games for a cash prize to more than 750 people would have to register with the Department of Financial Institutions. The initial registration fee would be $150,000. Annual renewals would cost $30,000.

The measure specifies that fantasy sports games aren't betting or lotteries, allowing the games to operate in Wisconsin.



The bill comes after New York's attorney general filed a lawsuit asking fantasy websites FanDuel and DraftKings to give back money they made in the state, asserting the companies are running illegal gambling operations.

The Assembly's state affairs committee has scheduled a hearing on the bill Wednesday.