Missouri House passes bill on rules for daily fantasy sports

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Fantasy sports could continue in Missouri without facing gambling regulations under a bill advancing in the state Legislature.

House members voted 104-38 Thursday to pass the measure and send it to the Senate.

Daily fantasy sports sites would need to pay an annual $5,000 registration fee and would face some additional restrictions, including prohibiting employees from playing. Only those 18 and older could participate.

The sites wouldn't be subject to the state's gambling laws.

The legislation has backing from DraftKings and the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Supporters argue playing daily fantasy sports requires skill and isn't the same thing as gambling. Opponents dispute that and say the sites should be regulated more strictly.