Protecting sports fans who participate in real-money fantasy sports, skill-based contests to ensure that operators of these contests meet appropriate compliance and financial standards in order to be suitable for licensure and operation within the state.

HB 3481 would establish a regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports contests in West Virginia, requiring operators to obtain a license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission and pay a 15% tax on their gross receipts. The bill prohibits contests on high school or below sports events, mandates independent audits of operators, and requires self-exclusion options for players to support compulsive gaming assistance. It defines daily fantasy sports as skill-based contests (not gambling), sets a minimum age of 19 for participants, and creates a fund to distribute tax revenue for gaming support services. This law aims to ensure operators meet financial and compliance standards while operating within the state.