Minnesota Rep. Joe Atkins Wants Fantasy Betting Law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Minnesota lawmaker says his state should regulate the increasingly popular fantasy sports betting industry to prevent scams.

Democratic Rep. Joe Atkins of Inver Grove Heights previewed legislation Monday that he says he'll introduce in 2016. It would recognize daily fantasy sports betting as a lawful activity but require Internet site operators to be licensed in the state.

Atkins says licensing would subject the firms to background checks and other audits.

He says it's about making sure "fantasy sports betting is conducted fairly and legally" and that people who use such sites don't get ripped off.

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