Legality of DFS Undecided in Ohio

The issue of Daily Fantasy Sports is still a hot topic of discussion heading into 2016. While the state has not yet deemed the pastime as illegal like fellow state New York and Illinois, lawmakers released an annual report noting that consideration will continue into the new year. The State House's Permanent Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering recommended a study of the DFS industry within the annual report, which read: “Time has not permitted this committee to extensively review the details of daily fantasy sports play this year. In light of recent events, however, it would be wise to explore the issue further, either through the efforts of this committee or possibly through legislation in the Ohio House and Senate.” Thus far, 8 states have determined that DFS is indeed gambling rather than skill based, which has become and ongoing argument among market leaders DraftKings and FanDuel. Sen. Bill Coley, a member of Ohio's joint gaming committee, believes that whether skill or luck are involved, state laws will require an overhaul. “If it is gambling, then it's illegal under Ohio law,” Coley said. “If it's a game of skill, (then) it doesn't seem to cleanly fit into the skill-game definition under the Ohio Revised Code. There's a lot of ambiguity.” The Senator also revealed that lawmakers intend to discuss the issue during a retreat scheduled for January 2016. “We'll discuss options with members and make a decision about whether to formulate legislation after the caucus retreat. It would still have to go through the entire legislative process,” he said.