Lawmaker seeks to clarify status of fantasy sports in Texas

Texas may soon join the growing number of daily fantasy sports-friendly states, if one state lawmaker has his way.

Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, D-Laredo, made a pledge on Thursday—hours before the kickoff of the season’s first NFL football game—to file a bill that will clarify the status of fantasy sports leagues in Texas.

In January, state attorney general Ken Paxton chased operators DraftKings and FanDuel out of Texas, saying daily fantasy sports is considered “prohibited gambling” in the state due to its prohibition of betting on events determined either “solely or partially by chance.”

Texans have already sent letters to the attorney general arguing the legality of fantasy sports games. Raymond, who is also a fan of fantasy football, told state reporters that fantasy sports leagues are in no way similar to the Roulette Wheel.