California became the first jurisdiction in the United States to pass a daily fantasy sportsregulation bill out of a committee hearing, after a vote on Wednesday afternoon.
The bill sponsored by Assemblymember Adam Gray — AB 1437 — passed through the Governmental Organization Committee nearly unanimously. Assemblymember Marc Levine, who has been an outspoken critic of the DFS industry, was the only “no” vote.
Important first step for DFS regulation
While DFS bills have been introduced in a variety of states around the country, California was the first one to move a piece of legislation forward.
The bill still faces a number of steps to become law. It still will not be considered by the full Assembly; it must first also pass through the Appropriations Committee.
The tone of the committee members was that they were in favor of moving the bill forward, while acknowledging that it is not a finished product, and needs more work down the road.
Regardless, it was a victory for those w