CO HB1404

Creates the "Fantasy Contests Act" establishing regulatory framework for fantasy contest operators in Colorado under the Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations.

Requires fantasy contest operators to obtain licenses (or registration for small operators with no more than 7,500 Colorado players) effective July 1, 2017, with applicants subject to fingerprint-based criminal history checks and prohibition if convicted of felonies.

Mandates consumer protections including age verification (18+), employee/relative participation restrictions, confidential information safeguards, player fund segregation with reserves, entry limits (3% of entries or 150 maximum for contests with 101+ entries), and disclosure of all contest rules.

Prohibits fantasy contests involving slot machines, poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, or university/college/high school sporting events; requires annual independent audits and daily operational record maintenance for at least 3 years.

Authorizes civil fines up to $1,000 per violation and allows cease-and-desist orders for unlicensed operators; article scheduled to expire September 1, 2020, with appropriations totaling $77,546 for 2016-17 fiscal year.