MN HF1415

Authorizes and regulates fantasy sports games in Minnesota through registration with the Department of Public Safety, requiring game operators to implement commercially reasonable procedures including age verification, responsible gaming resources, and player fund segregation.

Game operators must register annually with a $1,500 fee, submit to independent audits, and maintain financial security equal to player account balances; operators with felony theft or fraud convictions are ineligible.

Prohibits employees and their household relatives from competing in games offered by their employer, prevents disclosure of confidential game information, and bars athletes, coaches, referees, and league officials from participating in fantasy contests based on sports they are associated with.

Fantasy games are excluded from gambling prohibitions if based on accumulated statistical performance of multiple individuals rather than single team or player performance, and operators cannot offer games based on collegiate, high school, or youth athletic events.

Violations subject operators to civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation (maximum $50,000) and criminal penalties including gross misdemeanor charges and five-year registration bans for knowingly accepting entry fees from unauthorized operations; effective August 1, 2018.