LBD15896-03-6
S. 8153 2
BECAUSE CONTESTANTS HAVE CONTROL OVER WHICH PLAYERS THEY CHOOSE AND THE
OUTCOME OF EACH CONTEST IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY ONE
PLAYER OR ANY ONE ACTUAL TEAM. THE OUTCOME OF ANY FANTASY SPORTS CONTEST
DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE OUTCOME OF ANY ONE SPORTING EVENT. INSTEAD,
THE OUTCOME DEPENDS ON HOW THE PERFORMANCES OF PARTICIPANTS' FANTASY
ROSTER CHOICES COMPARE TO THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHERS' ROSTER CHOICES.
2. BASED ON THE FINDINGS IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, THE
LEGISLATURE DECLARES THAT INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE
GAMBLING IN NEW YORK STATE AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE
OF THE PENAL LAW.
3. THE LEGISLATURE FURTHER FINDS THAT AS THE INTERNET HAS BECOME AN
INTEGRAL PART OF SOCIETY, AND INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS A MAJOR FORM OF
ENTERTAINMENT FOR MANY CONSUMERS, ANY INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS
ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATORY STRUCTURE MUST BEGIN FROM THE BEDROCK PREMISE
THAT PARTICIPATION IN A LAWFUL AND LICENSED INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS
INDUSTRY IS A PRIVILEGE AND NOT A RIGHT, AND THAT REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
IS INTENDED TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEGRITY OF THE GAMES AND PARTICIPANTS AND
TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE PUBLIC TRUST.
S 1401. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING TERMS
SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS:
1. "AUTHORIZED PLAYER" SHALL MEAN AN INDIVIDUAL LOCATED IN NEW YORK
STATE, WHO IS NOT A PROHIBITED PLAYER, THAT PARTICIPATES IN AN INTERAC-
TIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTEST OFFERED BY A REGISTRANT.
2. "COLLEGIATE SPORT OR ATHLETIC EVENT" SHALL MEAN A SPORT OR ATHLETIC
EVENT OFFERED OR SPONSORED BY OR PLAYED IN CONNECTION WITH A PUBLIC OR
PRIVATE INSTITUTION THAT OFFERS EDUCATION SERVICES BEYOND THE SECONDARY
LEVEL.
3. "COMMISSION" SHALL MEAN THE NEW YORK STATE GAMING COMMISSION.
4. "ENTRY FEE" SHALL MEAN CASH OR CASH EQUIVALENT THAT IS PAID BY AN
AUTHORIZED PLAYER TO AN OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT TO PARTICIPATE IN AN
INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTEST OFFERED BY SUCH OPERATOR OR REGIS-
TRANT.
5. "HIGH SCHOOL SPORT OR ATHLETIC EVENT" SHALL MEAN A SPORT OR ATHLET-
IC EVENT OFFERED OR SPONSORED BY OR PLAYED IN CONNECTION WITH A PUBLIC
OR PRIVATE INSTITUTION THAT OFFERS EDUCATION SERVICES AT THE SECONDARY
LEVEL.
6. "HIGHLY EXPERIENCED PLAYER" SHALL MEAN AN AUTHORIZED PLAYER WHO
HAS:
(A) ENTERED MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND CONTESTS OFFERED BY A SINGLE OPERA-
TOR OR REGISTRANT; OR
(B) WON MORE THAN THREE PRIZES VALUED AT ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH OR
MORE FROM A SINGLE OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT.
7. "HORSE RACING EVENT" SHALL MEAN ANY SPORT OR ATHLETIC EVENT
CONDUCTED IN NEW YORK STATE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES TWO,
THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, NINE, TEN AND ELEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, OR ANY
SPORT OR ATHLETIC EVENT CONDUCTED OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK STATE, WHICH IF
CONDUCTED IN NEW YORK STATE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
CHAPTER.
8. "INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTEST" OR "CONTEST" SHALL MEAN A GAME
OF SKILL WHEREIN ONE OR MORE CONTESTANTS COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER BY
USING THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ATHLETES
TO SELECT AND MANAGE ROSTERS OF SIMULATED PLAYERS WHOSE PERFORMANCE
DIRECTLY CORRESPONDS WITH THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE OF HUMAN COMPETITORS ON
SPORTS TEAMS AND IN SPORTS EVENTS.
9. "INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS GROSS REVENUE" SHALL MEAN THE AMOUNT
EQUAL TO THE TOTAL OF ALL ENTRY FEES NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO NEW YORK STATE
S. 8153 3
PROHIBITED SPORTS EVENTS THAT A REGISTRANT COLLECTS FROM ALL PLAYERS,
LESS THE TOTAL OF ALL SUMS NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO NEW YORK STATE PROHIBITED
SPORTS EVENTS PAID OUT AS WINNINGS TO ALL PLAYERS, MULTIPLIED BY THE
RESIDENT PERCENTAGE FOR NEW YORK STATE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE
TOTAL OF ALL SUMS PAID OUT AS WINNINGS TO PLAYERS SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE
CASH EQUIVALENT VALUE OF ANY MERCHANDISE OR THING OF VALUE AWARDED AS A
PRIZE.
10. "INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS OPERATOR" OR "OPERATOR" SHALL MEAN ANY
PERSON OR ENTITY THAT OFFERS ANY INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTEST TO
ANY AUTHORIZED PLAYER THROUGH ANY INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS PLATFORM.
11. "INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS PLATFORM" OR "PLATFORM" SHALL MEAN THE
COMBINATION OF HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND DATA NETWORKS USED TO MANAGE,
ADMINISTER, OR CONTROL CONTESTS AND ANY ASSOCIATED ENTRY FEES.
12. "INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS REGISTRANT" OR "REGISTRANT" SHALL MEAN
AN OPERATOR THAT IS REGISTERED BY THE COMMISSION. A REGISTRANT MAY
UTILIZE MULTIPLE INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS PLATFORMS AND OFFER MULTIPLE
CONTESTS, PROVIDED THAT EACH PLATFORM AND EACH CONTEST HAS BEEN REVIEWED
AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
13. "MINOR" SHALL MEAN ANY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN YEARS.
14. "PROHIBITED PLAYER" SHALL MEAN:
(A) ANY MEMBER, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF AN OPERATOR OR REGIS-
TRANT;
(B) ANY SPOUSE, CHILD, BROTHER, SISTER OR PARENT RESIDING AS A MEMBER
OF THE SAME HOUSEHOLD IN THE PRINCIPAL PLACE OF ABODE OF ANY MEMBER,
OFFICER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF AN OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT;
(C) ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH ACCESS TO NON-PUBLIC CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
ABOUT CONTESTS;
(D) ANY AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE WHOSE PERFORMANCE MAY BE USED
TO DETERMINE THE OUTCOME OF A CONTEST;
(E) ANY SPORTS AGENT, TEAM EMPLOYEE, REFEREE, OR LEAGUE OFFICIAL ASSO-
CIATED WITH ANY SPORT OR ATHLETIC EVENT ON WHICH CONTESTS ARE BASED;
(F) ANY INDIVIDUAL LOCATED IN A STATE WHERE THE CONDUCT OF CONTESTS IS
EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED; OR
(G) ANY MINOR.
15. "PROHIBITED SPORTS EVENT" SHALL MEAN ANY COLLEGIATE SPORT OR
ATHLETIC EVENT, ANY HIGH SCHOOL SPORT OR ATHLETIC EVENT OR ANY HORSE
RACING EVENT.
16. "RESIDENT PERCENTAGE" SHALL MEAN, FOR EACH INTERACTIVE FANTASY
SPORTS CONTEST, THE PERCENTAGE, ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST TENTH OF A
PERCENT, OF THE TOTAL ENTRY FEES COLLECTED FROM PLAYERS LOCATED IN NEW
YORK STATE, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ENTRY FEES COLLECTED FROM ALL PLAYERS
IN INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTESTS NOT PROHIBITED IN NEW YORK STATE.
17. "SPORTS EVENT" SHALL MEAN ANY AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL SPORT OR
ATHLETIC EVENT, EXCEPT A PROHIBITED SPORTS EVENT.
S 1402. REGISTRATION. 1. (A) NO OPERATOR SHALL ADMINISTER, MANAGE, OR
OTHERWISE MAKE AVAILABLE AN INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS PLATFORM TO
PERSONS LOCATED IN NEW YORK STATE UNLESS REGISTERED WITH THE COMMISSION
PURSUANT TO SECTION FOURTEEN HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE. A REGISTRANT
MAY USE MULTIPLE INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS PLATFORMS AND OFFER MULTIPLE
TYPES OF CONTESTS, PROVIDED THAT EACH PLATFORM AND EACH TYPE OF CONTEST
HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION. THIS ARTICLE, AND ANY
AND ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ARTI-
CLE, SHALL APPLY ONLY TO INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTESTS FOR WHICH
AN AUTHORIZED PLAYER PAYS AN ENTRY FEE.
(B) ANY OPERATOR THAT WAS OFFERING CONTESTS TO PERSONS LOCATED IN NEW
YORK STATE PRIOR TO THE TENTH OF NOVEMBER, TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN, MAY
S. 8153 4
CONTINUE TO OFFER CONTESTS TO PERSONS LOCATED IN NEW YORK STATE UNTIL
SUCH OPERATOR'S APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION FOURTEEN HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE,
PROVIDED THAT SUCH OPERATOR RECEIVES A TEMPORARY PERMIT PURSUANT TO
SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION AND FILES AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRA-
TION WITH THE COMMISSION WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE PROMULGATION OF REGU-
LATIONS TO EFFECTUATE THIS ARTICLE.
2. THE COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE A TEMPORARY PERMIT TO EACH OPERATOR
THAT WAS OFFERING CONTESTS PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION ONE
OF THIS SECTION TO ALLOW SUCH OPERATOR TO CONTINUE TO OFFER SUCH
CONTESTS, ON A PROVISIONAL BASIS, UNTIL SUCH OPERATOR'S APPLICATION FOR
REGISTRATION HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION
FOURTEEN HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE, PROVIDED THAT SUCH OPERATOR
MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION FOURTEEN HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS
ARTICLE.
3. REGISTRATIONS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR
THREE YEARS. THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR RENEWAL.
4. INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTESTS OFFERED BY A REGISTRANT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE
GAMBLING AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF THE PENAL LAW.
5. THE COMMISSION SHALL PUBLISH A LIST OF ALL OPERATORS REGISTERED IN
NEW YORK STATE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ON THE COMMISSION'S WEBSITE FOR
PUBLIC USE.
6. THE COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INITIAL
FORM OF THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. SUCH REGULATIONS SHALL
PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF CONTESTS IN NEW YORK STATE
AND SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, RESPONSIBLE PROTECTIONS WITH
REGARD TO COMPULSIVE PLAY AND SAFEGUARDS FOR FAIR PLAY.
S 1403. SCOPE OF REGISTRATION REVIEW. 1. THE COMMISSION SHALL
PRESCRIBE THE INITIAL FORM OF THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION WHICH
SHALL REQUIRE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
(A) THE FULL NAME AND PRINCIPAL ADDRESS OF THE OPERATOR;
(B) IF A CORPORATION, THE NAME OF THE STATE IN WHICH INCORPORATED AND
THE FULL NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF ANY PARTNER, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, SHARE-
HOLDER HOLDING TEN PERCENT OR MORE EQUITY, AND ULTIMATE EQUITABLE
OWNERS;
(C) IF A BUSINESS ENTITY OTHER THAN A CORPORATION, THE FULL NAMES AND
ADDRESSES OF THE PRINCIPALS, PARTNERS, SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING FIVE PERCENT
OR MORE EQUITY, AND ULTIMATE EQUITABLE OWNERS;
(D) WHETHER SUCH CORPORATION OR ENTITY FILES INFORMATION AND REPORTS
WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AS REQUIRED BY
SECTION THIRTEEN OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, 15 U.S.C. SS
78A-78KK; OR WHETHER THE SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION OR ENTITY ARE
REGULARLY TRADED ON AN ESTABLISHED SECURITIES MARKET IN THE UNITED
STATES;
(E) THE TYPE AND ESTIMATED NUMBER OF CONTESTS TO BE CONDUCTED ANNUAL-
LY;
(F) A STATEMENT OF THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE OPERATOR.
2. THE COMMISSION MAY REQUIRE THE FULL NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF ANY CREDITOR OF THE OPERATOR, AND OF THOSE
STOCKHOLDERS WHO HOLD MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF THE STOCK OF THE CREDI-
TOR.
3. UPON RECEIPT OF AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL
LISTED ON SUCH APPLICATION AS AN OFFICER OR DIRECTOR, THE COMMISSION
SHALL SUBMIT TO THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES A SET OF FING-
S. 8153 5
ERPRINTS, AND THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES PROCESSING FEE
IMPOSED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION EIGHT-A OF SECTION EIGHT HUNDRED THIR-
TY-SEVEN OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW AND ANY FEE IMPOSED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU
OF INVESTIGATION. UPON RECEIPT OF THE FINGERPRINTS, THE DIVISION OF
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES SHALL PROMPTLY FORWARD A SET OF THE INDIVID-
UAL'S FINGERPRINTS TO THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FOR THE
PURPOSE OF A NATIONWIDE CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECK TO DETERMINE
WHETHER SUCH INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN ANY
STATE OTHER THAN NEW YORK OR IN A FEDERAL JURISDICTION. THE DIVISION OF
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES SHALL PROMPTLY PROVIDE THE REQUESTED CRIMINAL
HISTORY INFORMATION TO THE COMMISSION. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION,
THE TERM "CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION" SHALL MEAN A RECORD OF ALL
CONVICTIONS OF CRIMES AND ANY PENDING CRIMINAL CHARGES MAINTAINED ON AN
INDIVIDUAL BY THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES AND THE FEDERAL
BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. ALL SUCH CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION SENT TO
THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL AND
SHALL NOT BE PUBLISHED OR IN ANY WAY DISCLOSED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN THE
COMMISSION, UNLESS OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
4. UPON RECEIPT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVI-
SION THREE OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION SHALL MAKE A DETERMINATION TO
APPROVE OR DENY AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
BEFORE MAKING A DETERMINATION ON SUCH APPLICATION, THE COMMISSION SHALL
PROVIDE THE SUBJECT OF THE RECORD WITH A COPY OF SUCH CRIMINAL HISTORY
INFORMATION AND A COPY OF ARTICLE TWENTY-THREE-A OF THE CORRECTION LAW
AND INFORM SUCH PROSPECTIVE APPLICANT SEEKING TO BE CREDENTIALED OF HIS
OR HER RIGHT TO SEEK CORRECTION OF ANY INCORRECT INFORMATION CONTAINED
IN SUCH CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE REGULATIONS AND
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES.
THE COMMISSION SHALL DENY ANY APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION, OR SUSPEND,
REFUSE TO RENEW, OR REVOKE ANY EXISTING REGISTRATION ISSUED PURSUANT TO
THIS ARTICLE, UPON THE FINDING THAT THE OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT, OR ANY
PARTNER, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, OR SHAREHOLDER:
(A) HAS KNOWINGLY MADE A FALSE STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACT OR HAS
DELIBERATELY FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE COMMIS-
SION;
(B) HAS HAD A REGISTRATION OR LICENSE TO OFFER OR CONDUCT CONTESTS
DENIED, SUSPENDED, OR REVOKED IN ANY OTHER STATE OR COUNTRY FOR JUST
CAUSE;
(C) HAS LEGALLY DEFAULTED IN THE PAYMENT OF ANY OBLIGATION OR DEBT DUE
TO ANY STATE OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; OR
(D) HAS AT ANY TIME KNOWINGLY FAILED TO COMPLY WITH ANY REQUIREMENT
OUTLINED IN SECTION FOURTEEN HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE, ANY OTHER
PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE, ANY REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION
OR ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMMISSION.
5. ALL DETERMINATIONS TO APPROVE OR DENY AN APPLICATION PURSUANT TO
THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE PERFORMED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH SUBDIVISION
SIXTEEN OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED NINETY-SIX OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW AND ARTI-
CLE TWENTY-THREE-A OF THE CORRECTION LAW. WHEN THE COMMISSION DENIES AN
APPLICATION, THE OPERATOR SHALL BE AFFORDED NOTICE AND THE RIGHT TO BE
HEARD AND OFFER PROOF IN OPPOSITION TO SUCH DETERMINATION IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION.
S 1404. REQUIRED SAFEGUARDS, MINIMUM STANDARDS. 1. AS A CONDITION OF
REGISTRATION IN NEW YORK STATE, EACH OPERATOR AND REGISTRANT SHALL
IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
S. 8153 6
(A) LIMIT EACH AUTHORIZED PLAYER TO ONE ACTIVE AND CONTINUOUSLY USED
ACCOUNT, AND PREVENT PROHIBITED PLAYERS FROM MAINTAINING ACCOUNTS OR
PARTICIPATING IN ANY CONTEST OFFERED BY SUCH OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT;
(B) PROHIBIT MINORS FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY CONTEST, WHICH INCLUDES:
(I) IF A REGISTRANT BECOMES OR IS MADE AWARE THAT A MINOR HAS PARTIC-
IPATED IN ONE OF ITS CONTESTS, SUCH REGISTRANT SHALL PROMPTLY, WITHIN NO
MORE THAN TWO BUSINESS DAYS, REFUND ANY DEPOSIT RECEIVED FROM THE MINOR,
WHETHER OR NOT THE MINOR HAS ENGAGED IN OR ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE IN A
CONTEST; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT ANY REFUND MAY BE OFFSET BY ANY PRIZES
ALREADY AWARDED;
(II) EACH REGISTRANT SHALL PUBLISH AND FACILITATE PARENTAL CONTROL
PROCEDURES TO ALLOW PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO EXCLUDE MINORS FROM ACCESS
TO ANY CONTEST OR PLATFORM. SUCH PROCEDURES SHALL INCLUDE A TOLL-FREE
NUMBER TO CALL FOR HELP IN ESTABLISHING SUCH PARENTAL CONTROLS; AND
(III) EACH REGISTRANT SHALL TAKE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO CONFIRM THAT AN
INDIVIDUAL OPENING AN ACCOUNT IS NOT A MINOR.
(C) WHEN REFERENCING THE CHANCES OR LIKELIHOOD OF WINNING IN ADVER-
TISEMENTS OR UPON CONTEST ENTRY, MAKE CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS STATEMENTS
THAT ARE NOT INACCURATE OR MISLEADING CONCERNING THE CHANCES OF WINNING
AND THE NUMBER OF WINNERS;
(D) ENABLE AUTHORIZED PLAYERS TO EXCLUDE THEMSELVES FROM CONTESTS AND
TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO PREVENT SUCH PLAYERS FROM ENTERING A CONTEST
FROM WHICH THEY HAVE EXCLUDED THEMSELVES;
(E) PERMIT ANY AUTHORIZED PLAYER TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE AN ACCOUNT
REGISTERED TO SUCH PLAYER, ON ANY AND ALL PLATFORMS SUPPORTED BY SUCH
OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT, AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY REASON;
(F) OFFER INTRODUCTORY PROCEDURES FOR AUTHORIZED PLAYERS, THAT SHALL
BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED ON THE MAIN PAGE OF SUCH OPERATOR OR REGIS-
TRANT'S PLATFORM, THAT EXPLAIN CONTEST PLAY AND HOW TO IDENTIFY A HIGHLY
EXPERIENCED PLAYER;
(G) IDENTIFY ALL HIGHLY EXPERIENCED PLAYERS IN ANY CONTEST BY A SYMBOL
ATTACHED TO SUCH PLAYERS' USERNAMES, OR BY OTHER EASILY VISIBLE MEANS,
ON ALL PLATFORMS SUPPORTED BY SUCH OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT;
(H) DISCLOSE THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES A SINGLE AUTHORIZED PLAYER MAY
SUBMIT TO EACH CONTEST;
(I) DISCLOSE THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TOTAL ENTRIES ALLOWED FOR EACH
CONTEST;
(J) IMPLEMENT MEASURES TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY AND ONLINE SECURITY OF
AUTHORIZED PLAYERS AND THEIR ACCOUNTS;
(K) OFFER ALL AUTHORIZED PLAYERS ACCESS TO HIS OR HER ACCOUNT HISTORY
AND ACCOUNT DETAILS;
(L) ENSURE AUTHORIZED PLAYERS' FUNDS ARE PROTECTED UPON DEPOSIT AND
SEGREGATED FROM THE OPERATING FUNDS OF SUCH OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT AND
OTHERWISE PROTECTED FROM CORPORATE INSOLVENCY, FINANCIAL RISK, OR CRIMI-
NAL OR CIVIL ACTIONS AGAINST SUCH OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT;
(M) LIST ON EACH WEBSITE, IN A PROMINENT PLACE, INFORMATION CONCERNING
ASSISTANCE FOR COMPULSIVE PLAY IN NEW YORK STATE, INCLUDING A TOLL-FREE
NUMBER DIRECTING CALLERS TO REPUTABLE RESOURCES CONTAINING FURTHER
INFORMATION, WHICH SHALL BE FREE OF CHARGE;
(N) ENSURE THE VALUE OF ANY PRIZES AND AWARDS OFFERED TO AUTHORIZED
PLAYERS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AND MADE KNOWN TO SUCH PLAYERS IN ADVANCE
OF THE CONTEST, AND SUCH VALUE SHALL NOT BE DETERMINED BY THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED PLAYERS OR THE AMOUNT OF ANY ENTRY FEES PAID BY SUCH PLAYERS;
(O) ENSURE ALL WINNING OUTCOMES REFLECT THE RELATIVE KNOWLEDGE AND
SKILL OF THE AUTHORIZED PLAYERS AND SHALL BE DETERMINED PREDOMINANTLY BY
S. 8153 7
ACCUMULATED STATISTICAL RESULTS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUALS IN
SPORTS EVENTS;
(P) ENSURE NO WINNING OUTCOME SHALL BE BASED ON THE SCORE, POINT
SPREAD, OR PERFORMANCE OF A SINGLE SPORTS TEAM, OR ANY COMBINATION OF
SUCH TEAMS;
(Q) ENSURE NO WINNING OUTCOME SHALL BE BASED SOLELY ON ANY SINGLE
PERFORMANCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE IN A SINGLE SPORT OR ATHLETIC
EVENT; AND
(R) ENSURE NO GAME OR CONTEST SHALL BE BASED ON A PROHIBITED SPORTS
EVENT.
2. EACH REGISTRANT SHALL RESTRICT THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY A
SINGLE AUTHORIZED PLAYER FOR ANY CONTEST TO A MAXIMUM OF ONE HUNDRED
FIFTY ENTRIES PER PLAYER PER CONTEST, OR A MAXIMUM OF THREE PERCENT OF
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY ALL PLAYERS FOR ANY CONTEST, WHICHEVER IS
LESS, OR AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION. REGISTRANTS SHALL TAKE REASON-
ABLE STEPS TO PREVENT AUTHORIZED PLAYERS FROM SUBMITTING MORE THAN THE
ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER CONTEST. THE COMMISSION SHALL PROMUL-
GATE REGULATIONS TO FURTHER EFFECTUATE THIS SUBDIVISION TO ENSURE THAT
THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY A SINGLE AUTHORIZED PLAYER FOR ANY
CONTEST WILL LEAD TO A FAIR AND EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF NUMBER OF
ENTRIES.
3. (A) OPERATORS SHALL NOT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OPERATE, PROMOTE, OR
ADVERTISE ANY PLATFORM OR CONTEST TO PERSONS LOCATED IN NEW YORK STATE
UNLESS REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.
(B) UNLESS OTHERWISE APPROVED BY REGULATION OF THE COMMISSION, OPERA-
TORS AND REGISTRANTS SHALL NOT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PROMOTE OR ADVER-
TISE ANY ONLINE FANTASY OR SIMULATION SPORTS GAMES OR CONTESTS WITH AN
ENTRY FEE DURING THE CONDUCT OF ANY ONLINE FANTASY OR SIMULATION SPORTS
GAMES OR CONTESTS WITHOUT AN ENTRY FEE. THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT APPLY
TO ANY OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT THAT PROHIBITS PROHIBITED PLAYERS FROM
PARTICIPATING IN ONLINE FANTASY OR SIMULATION SPORTS GAMES OR CONTESTS
WITHOUT AN ENTRY FEE.
4. REGISTRANTS SHALL NOT OFFER ANY CONTEST BASED ON ANY PROHIBITED
SPORTS EVENT.
5. REGISTRANTS SHALL NOT PERMIT ANY MINOR OR PROHIBITED PARTICIPANT TO
ENTER ANY CONTEST.
6. ADVERTISEMENTS FOR CONTESTS AND PRIZES OFFERED BY A REGISTRANT
SHALL NOT TARGET PROHIBITED PARTICIPANTS, MINORS, OR SELF-EXCLUDED
PERSONS. REPRESENTATIONS OR IMPLICATIONS ABOUT AVERAGE WINNINGS FROM
CONTESTS SHALL NOT BE UNFAIR OR MISLEADING. SUCH REPRESENTATIONS SHALL
INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM:
(A) THE MEDIAN AND MEAN NET WINNINGS OF ALL AUTHORIZED PLAYERS PARTIC-
IPATING IN CONTESTS OFFERED BY SUCH REGISTRANT; AND
(B) THE PERCENTAGE OF WINNINGS AWARDED BY THE REGISTRANT TO HIGHLY
EXPERIENCED PLAYERS PARTICIPATING IN CONTESTS OFFERED BY SUCH REGISTRANT
WITHIN THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR.
7. REGISTRANTS SHALL PROHIBIT THE USE OF THIRD-PARTY SCRIPTS OR
SCRIPTING PROGRAMS FOR ANY CONTEST AND ENSURE THAT MEASURES ARE IN PLACE
TO DETER, DETECT AND, TO THE EXTENT REASONABLY POSSIBLE, PREVENT CHEAT-
ING, INCLUDING COLLUSION, AND THE USE OF CHEATING DEVICES, INCLUDING USE
OF SOFTWARE PROGRAMS THAT SUBMIT ENTRY FEES OR ADJUST THE ATHLETES
SELECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED PLAYER.
8. OPERATORS AND REGISTRANTS SHALL DEVELOP AND PROMINENTLY DISPLAY
PROCEDURES ON THE MAIN PAGE OF SUCH OPERATOR'S OR REGISTRANT'S PLATFORM
FOR THE FILING OF A COMPLAINT BY THE AUTHORIZED PLAYER AGAINST SUCH
REGISTRANT. AN INITIAL RESPONSE SHALL BE GIVEN BY SUCH REGISTRANT TO
S. 8153 8
SUCH PLAYER FILING THE COMPLAINT WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS. A COMPLETE
RESPONSE SHALL BE GIVEN BY SUCH REGISTRANT TO SUCH PLAYER FILING THE
COMPLAINT WITHIN TEN BUSINESS DAYS. AN AUTHORIZED PLAYER MAY FILE A
COMPLAINT ALLEGING A VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE WITH
THE COMMISSION.
9. REGISTRANTS SHALL MAINTAIN RECORDS OF ALL ACCOUNTS BELONGING TO
AUTHORIZED PLAYERS AND RETAIN SUCH RECORDS FOR FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE
AN ACCOUNT WAS CREATED.
S 1405. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. 1. THE COMMISSION SHALL
PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF AND EFFECTUATE THE
POLICY AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS ARTICLE AS THE COMMISSION MAY DEEM NECES-
SARY OR ADVISABLE, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INITIAL FORM OF THE
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. SUCH REGULATIONS SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE
REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF CONTESTS IN NEW YORK STATE AND SHALL
INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, RESPONSIBLE PROTECTIONS WITH REGARD TO
COMPULSIVE PLAY AND SAFEGUARDS FOR FAIR PLAY. SUCH REGULATIONS MAY REGU-
LATE THE CONDUCT AND OPERATION OF CONTESTS AND PLATFORMS, PROTECT
CONTESTANTS AND PROMOTE THE FAIRNESS, HONESTY AND INTEGRITY OF CONTESTS.
2. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS AND DUTIES FOR
PURPOSES OF ADMINISTERING, REGULATING, AND ENFORCING THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS ARTICLE:
(A) ALL POWERS AND DUTIES ASSIGNED BY THIS ARTICLE, AS WELL AS ALL
POWERS NECESSARY AND PROPER TO FULLY AND EFFECTIVELY EXECUTE THIS ARTI-
CLE;
(B) TO APPROVE AND DENY APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION TO CONDUCT
CONTESTS IN NEW YORK STATE, AND TO SUSPEND, REFUSE OR RENEW, OR REVOKE
ANY REGISTRATION ISSUED TO A REGISTRANT UNDER THIS ARTICLE;
(C) TO REVIEW AND APPROVE EACH PLATFORM AND EACH CONTEST OFFERED BY AN
OPERATOR OR REGISTRANT;
(D) TO ACCEPT AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ANY KIND FROM AN AUTHOR-
IZED PLAYER AND ATTEMPT TO MEDIATE SUCH COMPLAINTS WHERE APPROPRIATE;
(E) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE;
(F) TO INITIATE PROPER ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS WHERE SUCH ACTION IS
DEEMED BY THE COMMISSION TO BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE; AND
(G) ALL POWERS AND DUTIES ASSIGNED BY THIS CHAPTER.
S 1406. ANNUAL REPORT. 1. EACH REGISTRANT SHALL ANNUALLY SUBMIT A
REPORT TO THE COMMISSION NO LATER THAN THE THIRTIETH OF JUNE OF EACH
YEAR, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS IT SHALL APPLY TO
ACCOUNTS HELD BY AUTHORIZED PLAYERS LOCATED IN NEW YORK STATE:
(A) THE NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS HELD BY AUTHORIZED PLAYERS ON ALL PLATFORMS
OFFERED BY THE REGISTRANT, AND THE NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS HELD BY HIGHLY
EXPERIENCED PLAYERS ON ALL PLATFORMS OFFERED BY THE REGISTRANT;
(B) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED IN THE PRECEDING
YEAR, AS WELL AS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS PERMANENTLY CLOSED IN THE
PRECEDING YEAR;
(C) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ENTRY FEES RECEIVED FROM AUTHORIZED PLAYERS;
(D) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PRIZES AWARDED TO AUTHORIZED PLAYERS;
(E) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS REVENUE RECEIVED BY
THE REGISTRANT;
(F) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED PLAYERS THAT REQUESTED TO EXCLUDE
THEMSELVES FROM CONTESTS;
(G) ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT THE COMMISSION DEEMS NECESSARY TO
CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
2. UPON THE SUBMISSION OF SUCH ANNUAL REPORT, TO SUCH EXTENT THAT THE
COMMISSION DEEMS IT TO BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THE COMMISSION SHALL
S. 8153 9
BE AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT A FINANCIAL AUDIT OF ANY REGISTRANT, AT ANY
TIME, TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE.
3. THE COMMISSION SHALL ANNUALLY PUBLISH A REPORT BASED ON THE AGGRE-
GATE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY ALL REGISTRANTS PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE
OF THIS SECTION, WHICH SHALL BE PUBLISHED ON THE COMMISSION'S WEBSITE NO
LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS AFTER THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION
OF INDIVIDUAL REPORTS AS SPECIFIED IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION.
S 1407. STATE TAX. FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF CONDUCTING INTERACTIVE FANTA-
SY SPORTS CONTESTS IN THE STATE, REGISTRANTS SHALL PAY A TAX EQUIVALENT
TO FIFTEEN PERCENT OF THEIR INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS GROSS REVENUE
GENERATED WITHIN THE STATE; IN ADDITION, REGISTRANTS SHALL PAY A TAX
EQUAL TO ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT, BUT NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS ANNUALLY.
S 1408. ADDITIONAL REGULATORY COSTS. THE COMMISSION MAY ASSESS ANNUAL-
LY, IN ARREARS, ON EACH REGISTRANT PROPORTIONAL TO THE INTERACTIVE
FANTASY SPORTS GROSS REVENUE OF SUCH REGISTRANT IN THE PRECEDING YEAR
COMPARED TO THE AGGREGATE INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS GROSS REVENUE OF
ALL REGISTRANTS IN THE PRECEDING YEAR ACTUAL COSTS NECESSARY TO REGULATE
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE. SUCH ASSESSMENTS
SHALL BE MADE ONLY WITHIN AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED THEREFOR.
S 1409. DISPOSITION OF TAXES. 1. THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY INTO THE
STATE LOTTERY FUND ALL TAXES IMPOSED BY THIS ARTICLE; ANY INTEREST AND
PENALTIES IMPOSED BY THE COMMISSION RELATING TO THOSE TAXES; ALL PENAL-
TIES LEVIED AND COLLECTED BY THE COMMISSION; AND THE APPROPRIATE FUNDS,
CASH OR PRIZES FORFEITED FROM INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS.
2. THE COMMISSION SHALL REQUIRE AT LEAST MONTHLY DEPOSITS BY THE
INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS OPERATOR OF ANY PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTION
FOURTEEN HUNDRED SEVEN OF THIS ARTICLE, AT SUCH TIMES, UNDER SUCH CONDI-
TIONS, AND IN SUCH DEPOSITORIES AS SHALL BE PRESCRIBED BY THE STATE
COMPTROLLER. THE DEPOSITS SHALL BE DEPOSITED TO THE CREDIT OF THE STATE
LOTTERY FUND. THE COMMISSION SHALL REQUIRE A MONTHLY REPORT AND RECON-
CILIATION STATEMENT TO BE FILED WITH IT ON OR BEFORE THE TENTH DAY OF
EACH MONTH, WITH RESPECT TO GROSS REVENUES AND DEPOSITS RECEIVED AND
MADE, RESPECTIVELY, DURING THE PRECEDING MONTH.
S 1410. DETERMINATION OF TAX LIABILITY. THE COMMISSION MAY PERFORM
AUDITS OF THE BOOKS AND RECORDS OF AN INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS OPERA-
TOR WITH A PERMIT OR REGISTRANT, AT SUCH TIMES AND INTERVALS AS IT DEEMS
APPROPRIATE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE SUFFICIENCY OF TAX
PAYMENTS. IF A RETURN REQUIRED WITH REGARD TO OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED IS NOT
FILED, OR IF A RETURN WHEN FILED OR IS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION TO
BE INCORRECT OR INSUFFICIENT WITH OR WITHOUT AN AUDIT, THE AMOUNT OF TAX
DUE SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION. NOTICE OF SUCH DETERMINATION
SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS OPERATOR LIABLE FOR THE
PAYMENT OF THE TAX. SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL FINALLY AND IRREVOCABLY FIX
THE TAX UNLESS THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM IT IS ASSESSED, WITHIN THIRTY
DAYS AFTER RECEIVING NOTICE OF SUCH DETERMINATION, SHALL APPLY TO THE
COMMISSION FOR A HEARING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS OF THE
COMMISSION.
S 1411. CONTESTS AUTHORIZED. INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS CONTESTS
REGISTERED AND CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER ARE
HEREBY AUTHORIZED.
S 1412. CONTESTS PROHIBITED. THE CONDUCT OF UNREGISTERED INTERACTIVE
FANTASY SPORTS CONTESTS IS PROHIBITED.
S 2. Section 104 of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law
is amended by adding a new subdivision 23 to read as follows:
S. 8153 10
23. TO REGISTER AND REGULATE INTERACTIVE FANTASY SPORTS IN NEW YORK
STATE.
S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
