MONTGOMERY – The Alabama House of Representatives on Wednesday evening passed HB 361, Rep. Kyle South’s (R-Fayette) bill that would legalize daily fantasy sports contests like DraftKings and FanDuel in the state.
The bill was passed as amended on a roll call vote of 74-22 after over three hours of spirited debate. HB 361 now heads to the Senate.
Several Republicans objected to the bill, arguing it was just a form of gambling.
One such ardent opponent, State Rep. Rich Wingo (R-Tuscaloosa), said he believes daily fantasy sports gaming would take Alabamians “to a place where God doesn’t exist.”
All of the states bordering Alabama already allow for the playing of daily fantasy sports either through an app or online. The games are played in 43 total states.
South estimates the bill would generate between $1.7 million – $4.1 million annually for Alabama’s General Fund. He emphasized the games that would be legalized under his bill are predominantly contests of skill rather than predominantly of chance.
Read more about the bill here.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
