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 The California Alliance For Consumer Protection
37 Derow Court, Sacramento, Ca. 95833
(916) 923-2215 fax (916) 923-2216
www.consumeradvocacy.com * ssorleahcim@comcast.net
“Competition Is The Highest Form Of Consumer Protection”
Legislative Proposal
An Identified Funding source for School Sports/Entertainment Programs or Fixing Professional Sports Facilities
PROBLEM(S):
1) Although no specific stats exist, it is estimated that there are over 1,000,000 Californians playing a gambling game entitled Rotisserie Baseball, Football, or Basketball on a regular basis. An alternative name for this type of gambling is “fantasy sports”. Because of the number of people who participate in these games, a cult industry has grown up, highlighted by specialized websites, publications and radio shows.
2) There is a shortage of money to be used to fund after school sports programs
3) There is a shortage of money to fix professional sports stadiums and arenas.
SPECIFICALLY: Rotisserie leagues run on rules that are drawn up by the members of the respective leagues. The players (called owners) in the league draft players from current Major League Baseball teams, using rules similar in nature to those adopted by the sport they are managing. Every move costs something (usually it’s a small amount that is given to them upon registration (paying the fee to play). Throughout the season, as the player collects stats, they are added together to establish totals, and then using pre-approved criteria, the stats are converted into points (ex a home run = 4 points), and then based on those points, the teams are ranked from first to last. The higher up the ladder you are, the more money you win. As designed, Rotisserie sports is a form of gambling that is undefined as to being legal or illegal in California.
Issues that needs to be addressed:
1) How do we fund either the expansion of sports stadiums and arenas or pay for after school sports and entertainment programs?
2) Professional Sports Leagues are silent on the playing of this game. Of course they are publicly against gambling, but do very little to help eliminate it. Only a couple of states have dealt with the legality of this game: In Florida, the game was made illegal, while in Montana, the game was legalized and is pulling in a profit for the state.
SOLUTIONS FOR CALIFORNIA:
1) Legalize the private operation and playing of Rotisserie type games by enabling private organizations to become registered and licensed with the State.
2) Take the licensing or taxation revenue and earmark it for use in after school sports and entertainment programs or the payment of sports stadiums or arenas
SECONDARY SOLUTION:
1) Allow the State to run "fantasy games” - possibly through the Lottery Commission.
2) Take the revenue and earmark it for use in after school sports and entertainment programs.
POSSIBLE SUPPORT: It is undetermined at this time who would actually support this concept. It is believed that support can come from a variety of areas: people who play the games, consumers, professional sports, the Lottery Commission & School Districts are just a few.
POSSIBLE OPPOSITION: Those opposed to expanding gambling, including professional sports leagues who don’t want to be connected with gambling.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:
1) Establishing a program like this will enable thousands of people to legitimize a current game that they play.
2) This game will raise money that will benefit after school sports programs.
3) Winnings currently are not taxed by the state and under this program they will be.
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION:
1) The Lottery Commission already has a full plate with respect to projects.
2) Traditionally, professional sports teams and leagues do not support gambling, yet they tolerate the publication of “The Daily Line” which fosters sport interest in their sport.
SECTION AFFECTED: As per Legislative Council
LANGUAGE ATTACHED: yes.
Suggested language: version 1
Section 1: The Lottery Commission has the power to create a new game entitled "Rotisserie Sports"
Section 2: The rules shall be as determined by a 5 member board that oversees the operation of the game.
Section 3: Money collected will go into a fund designed to help refurbish or construct stadiums and arenas.
Section 4: The commission has the power to award individual prizes as high as $100,000
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