Former Hawks player pushes for daily fantasy sports regulation
In what could be part of a closing effort to regulate daily fantasy sports before lawmakers finish their annual session in Springfield, former Chicago Blackhawks star Chris Chelios appeared at the Capitol Tuesday to glad-hand and support the plan.
Daily fantasy sports companies like FanDuel and DraftKings worry that they might have to cease their games that charge a fee if the measure ensuring their legality fails to pass.
The Illinois Senate last week approved the measure, which imposes some taxes and consumer protections. The House could vote on it as early as Wednesday.
The casino industry in Illinois, meanwhile, has been vocal about its opposition, pushing instead for a gambling plan that would allow them to run other games online.
The fantasy sports measure would allow casinos to hold fantasy sports contests, a move that backers say responds to the casinos' request. But representatives from Rivers Casino have said this is not enough.
They also said the casino does not have plans at this time to develop fantasy sports contests.