Maryland comptroller proposes daily fantasy sports consumer protections

Daily fantasy sports are one step closer to becoming legal in Maryland after the state Comptroller proposed regulations to govern DFS activity.

On Thursday, Comptroller Peter Franchot (pictured) issued a set of proposed DFS guidelines based on his belief that the activity had “established a significant presence” in the state and it was appropriate to ensure that “the games are fair, anticompetitive abuses are declared out of bounds, and appropriate taxes are paid.”

The guidelines – which aren’t binding until the legislature concurs – largely resemble the consumer protections first established by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and which have been mimicked by other states that have taken steps to authorize DFS within their borders.

Franchot’s guidelines would limit play to those 18 years or older, prohibit games based on college sports, ban the use of “anticompetitive” third-party scripts and tag “highly experienced” players with a scarlet letter so noobs know to steer clear.