Kansas panel moves to keep fantasy sports legal

TOPEKA – A bill that would keep fantasy sports leagues legal amid a dispute with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission has moved forward by a state legislative panel.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee endorsed the bill Monday.

It would define fantasy sports as a game of skill.

The distinction is important because the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission said in August that fantasy sports meet the criteria of a lottery, which would make them illegal.

Under the Kansas Constitution, only the state is allowed to administer lotteries.

Republican Rep. Brett Hildabrand of Shawnee said he introduced the legislation so ordinary Kansans who enjoy fantasy football would not become criminals.

The federal government and 45 states consider fantasy sports legal games of skill. However, five states consider them illegal.

This story was originally published March 16, 2015 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Kansas panel moves to keep fantasy sports legal."