Fantasy Sports Would Avoid Gambling Taxes, Under an Approved House Measure
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Fantasy Sports Would Avoid Gambling Taxes, Under an Approved House Measure

Date: April 7, 2016
By: Jack Morrisroe
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1941

Intro: 
Online fantasy sports can avoid education taxes because they are a game of skill, according to the Missouri House Thursday.
RunTime: 0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Fantasy sports websites, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, would not be considered gambling and thereby avoid education taxes under a House-approved measure.

Columbia Representative Caleb Rowden said the game is not gambling because a small amount of players earn most of the money involved.

Actuality:  ROWDEN3.WAV
Run Time: 00:12
Description: The argument is that this is not gambling, this is a game of skill, not dissimilar to someone who hones their craft as a college athlete becoming a pro to be paid for what they do.

The bill denies Missouri more public education revenue that could improve two failing and five near-failure school districts.

The measure passed the House by a 104-38 vote.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

 

Intro: 
Fantasy sports websites would avoid education taxes that in-state casinos pay under legislation the Missouri House approved Thursday.
RunTime: 0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Fantasy sports websites, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, would not be considered gambling and thereby avoid education taxes under a House-approved measure.

The bill's opponents said the games have a chance element, and would take away from much needed education funding.

Actuality:  ROWLAND1.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
Description: We have casinos in the state of Missouri that are paying taxes toward education and we're giving a corporate carve-out to this particular special interest group and they're not having to pay the taxes for education.

Supporters of the measure say the game is not gambling because a small amount of players make most of the money from the games.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 104-38.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe