S.B. No. 375 - Fantasy Contest Regulation

• Grants the Ohio Casino Control Commission authority to regulate fantasy contests and exempt them from gambling laws under Chapter 2915 of the Revised Code.

• Requires fantasy contest operators to obtain a license from the commission by paying a nonrefundable initial fee of $30,000 and a renewal fee of $30,000 every three years.

• Defines fantasy contests as skill-based games where prize values are known in advance, outcomes reflect player knowledge and skill based on athlete performance statistics, and winnings are not based on single-team performance or random events.

• Mandates fantasy contest operators prohibit access for minors under 18, players from states that ban fantasy sports, and individuals who self-exclude; segregate player funds from operational funds; and contract for annual independent audits.

• Prohibits fantasy contests on physical kiosks or machines, contests based on college/high school/youth sports, use of undisclosed scripts, and deceptive advertising; allows existing operators to continue offering contests during the licensing application process.