Should NH regulate fantasy sports?

Rep. Gary Azarian is sponsoring a 2017 bill that would regulate online fantasy sports. 

Fantasy contest operators offering games to New Hampshire players would have to pay an annual $5,000 registration fee and a 5% tax on gross revenues (which could be credited against business taxes). They would have to follow several other rules, such as ensuring players are over age eighteen.

Like lottery revenue, money from online fantasy sports would be used for school funding.

Right now fantasy sports are legal but unregulated in New Hampshire.

Bill supporters point out that online fantasy sports can be as addicting as other forms of gambling, and therefore the state should regulate fantasy sports to protect consumers.

Fantasy sports could also bring in much-needed revenue for New Hampshire’s schools.

Others argue that online fantasy sports require knowledge and skill, which makes the games significantly different from other forms of gambling. They believe state is just looking for another way to tax business.

Do you think New Hampshire should regulate online fantasy sports? Share your opinion in the comments.