Wrap: Fantasy Football has gained controversy of being a form of gambling by Missouri Legislature. A proposed bill debated in the Missouri House would legally allow Fantasy Football to not be classified as gambling, and not be taxed for revenue.

Kansas City Democrat, Representative John Rizzo, spoke critically about the cost falling on the consumer.

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Description: I think we can twist and turn this however we like, but at the end of the day this is gambling.I find it a little disingenuous that we're going to tax the consumer with the  10.99, but not tax the billion dollar company or multimillion, hundred-million company or whatever they're making. So we don't want to make it 21 percent more expensive for the consumer, but we want to make it zero more expensive for the business. I didn't get the memo it was help billionares week.

Rizzo said that he did not necessarily have a problem with Fantasy Football, but opposed the bill because it took advantage of the consumer.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.

Wrap: Supporters say that Fantasy Football is a fun game and takes skill to advance in the game, unlike gambling. 

Versailles County Republican, Representative David Wood, said the money aspect of the game was more of a bonus.  

 

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Description: When I play fantasy sports, I'm really picking players and I'm building a team like a coach. I'm taking a group of individuals taking their statistics and building a team of my own. So then I'm really the coach not necessarily a gambler. And a coach when they play a game and they get a bonus for winning that game, is that gambling?

Columbia Republican, Representative Caleb Rowden, said that Fantasy Football was a technological advancement and should not be placed in the same category as gambling, nor should the businesses be taxed.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough

 

   

Wrap: Shell Knob Republican, Representative Scott Fitzpatrick, said that Fantasy Football was an enjoyable game, but allowing taxes might be an overreach by the government.

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Description: People in the state of Missouri have been enjoying this activity for the last several years. If we don't pass this bill there could be a day coming, in the not so distant future, where they wouldn't be able to do that anymore. I,for one,want to give people the opportunity to continue participating in an activity that they enjoy. I don't them to look at Jefferson City and say it's big brother telling us we can't do something.

Fitzpatrick, said that he was not sure if other states had taxed Fantasy Football, but said that he wanted the game to be enjoyable for Missouri citizens.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.