Pro sports leagues are "pressing states to include a small 'integrity fee' to every sports bet placed" if and when the Supreme Court makes a decision on the matter, according to Josh Kosman of the N.Y. POST. Sources said that the fee, or tax, could range up to 2.5% of "sports betting profits." Sources said that New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is "expected to back a proposed sports betting bill that includes an 'integrity fee'" of 2.5% of sports book profits, or $7.5M -- "whichever is lower." Sources said that the fee "could raise" $50M a year in New Jersey. The leagues would then "petition the state to be reimbursed for the additional costs they would incur for having to step up enforcement efforts to keep their games clean." MLB and NBA lawyers on April 18 met with several of New York’s four commercially licensed casinos at state Sen. John Bonacic’s offices in Albany, "pitching for an 'integrity fee' if betting is legalized in the state." Sources said that the leagues also "want a fee for allowing sports books to use their official data" (N.Y. POST, 5/2).
PLAY AWAY: The AP notes six online fantasy sports game operators are now "offering wagers that are regulated and taxed by Pennsylvania." The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said that "regulation began over the weekend of games operated by six companies that filed applications to the agency." Pennsylvanians who are at least 18 years old can now "legally play DRAFT, Fantasy Football Players Championship, Fanduel, DraftKings, Boom Fantasy and Fastpick." Adjusted revenues "are taxed" at 15% (AP, 5/2).
