Fantasy sports contests could soon be legal in Alabama.
The Legislature has given final passage to a bill calling for fantasy sports operators to register with the Alabama attorney general’s office and to pay fees and taxes to the state.
The bill goes to Governor Kay Ivey, who could sign it into law.
Three years ago, Attorney General Luther Strange sent cease-and-desist letters to fantasy sports operators, saying the contests violated Alabama’s gambling laws. Alabama lawmakers have proposed bills seeking to legalize the games for several years.
The bill was proposed by Republican Kyle South of Fayette. If signed by Ivey, it would require fantasy sports operators with more than $10 million in national gross revenue to pay an $85,000 annual fee to the state. Other operators would pay a $1,000 annual fee. The operators would pay a state tax based on the entry fees paid by Alabama players less the winnings paid to Alabama players. The Senate adopted an amendment today raising that tax rate from 8 percent to 10.5 percent.
The Senate then passed the bill by a vote of 22-8. The House agreed with the tax rate change and gave the bill final passage.
The games would be restricted to players 19 and older.