Special Commission on Online Gaming, Fantasy Sports Gaming and Daily Fantasy Sports
SECTION 189.
There shall be a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the regulation of online gaming, fantasy sports gaming and daily fantasy sports. The commission shall review all aspects of online gaming, fantasy sports gaming and daily fantasy sports including, but not limited to, economic development, consumer protection, taxation, legal and regulatory structures, implications for existing gaming, burdens and benefits to the commonwealth and any other factors the commission deems relevant. The special commission shall not include in its study a comprehensive review of the state lottery or its ability to provide lottery products online or over the internet.
The commission shall consist of: 1 person who shall be appointed by the governor who shall have industry expertise in fantasy sports gaming; 1 person who shall be appointed by the Massachusetts gaming commission; 1 person who shall be appointed by the attorney general who shall have expertise in fantasy sports gaming consumer protection; 2 persons who shall be appointed by the president of the senate, 1 of whom shall be the senate chair of the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies; 1 person who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; 2 persons who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be the house chair of the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies; and 1 person who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives. The commission shall convene its first meeting not later than October 1, 2016 and shall elect a chairperson.
The commission shall submit its final report and its recommendations for legislation by filing the same with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives not later than March 1, 2017.
Veto Explanation:
I am vetoing this section because it calls for a commission to study an issue that has already been examined by several state agencies, including the Attorney General's Office and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.