Pennsylvania wants daily fantasy sports operators to partner with casinos

Daily fantasy sports operators looking to operate legally in Pennsylvania may have to partner with local casino operators, according to a report from the state’s gaming regulator.

Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) released its Fantasy Sports Report, which was prepared in response to state legislators’ request for the PGCB to study how DFS might fit into the state’s existing legal gambling environment.

The report (viewable here) hedges on the legality of DFS, noting that no state court or other competent body has as yet issued an “authoritative pronouncement” on the matter. As such, the PGCB isn’t sure whether DFS would fall under its purview if legislators seek to formally legalize and regulate the activity.

Should legislators dump DFS into the PGCB’s lap, it’s the board’s view that DFS “be provided through the existing slot machine licensees as a gaming-related amenity operated through the licensee’s website.” The PGCB envisions these partnerships unfolding “much like current gaming service providers” who are vetted and licensed by the PGCB.