This year, legislators in Washington introduced a bill which would allow fantasy sports fans in the state access to web sites like Draft Kings and Fan Duel. Currently, Washington is one of just a handful of states that prohibits fantasy sports in their state. The proposed law would classify fantasy sports as a game of skill and exempt it from gambling.
With the start of a new NFL season, we will see a lot of commercials for Draft Kings and Fan Duel which will offer monetary prizes for those that enter. Well, you are probably best served to turn the channel when you see these ads because residents of the state of Washington will continue to be blocked from access as the bill has not moved much since its introduction.
One of the reasons is due to the state differing on the definition betweendaily fantasy sports and season-long fantasy sports. The critical distinction that seems to be made here is that daily fantasy sports would include less skill than that of a season long fantasy sports league. Regardless the distinction seems to be the reason there is a hold up.
Since a committee hearing earlier this year on the proposed legislation, the bill has stalled although it was reintroduced on June 28th and maintains a present status.