Legislator Wants Special Status for Fantasy Online Gambling

John Olszewski thinks that state residents are losing out by interpretations of state law that prevent fantasy league operators from rewarding players gambling at the games in Maryland.

A Maryland lawmaker wants to ensure that gambling on fantasy sports is exempted from laws against wagering and online gambling, and has introduced a bill to that effect. John Olszewski thinks that state residents are losing out by interpretations of state law that prevent fantasy league operators from rewarding players gambling at the games in Maryland.

Olszewski told fellow legislators that millions love gambling on fantasy sports, and therefore it should be excused from any laws restricting gaming in the state. He even explained the process to those unfamiliar with it, saying he owned a team of his own.

Some observers questioned the reasoning behind singling out fantasy sports as a form of online gambling to be exempted. Gaming law authority Henry Grant said, "If any form of Internet gambling is illegal, it's sports gambling. But fantasy sports somehow avoids being lumped in as sports betting."

The Wire Act forbids the taking of sports bets over the Internet. Another law passed by Congress in 1992 makes sports wagering illegal in all but four states. But no law against online casino gambling exists, except in the state of Washington.

Olszewski says vague law has resulted in such companies as CBS Sportsline refusing trophies to Maryland fantasy participants. One legislative insider spoke anonymously, saying, "Olszewski should consider adjusting his focus, to improve and clarify the gambling laws in general,  rather than his own little preference in gambling.'