New Jersey has joined the expanding list of US states that have passed legislation that allows and regulates daily fantasy sports (DFS).
State Governor Chris Christie signed bill A-3532 yesterday (Thursday), after it was given approval by the Senate back in June.
New Jersey becomes the 16th state in the US to legalise DFS within its borders.
DFS operators will be subject to a tax rate of 10.5% on all revenue collected via activities in New Jersey.
Citing the Office of Legislative Service, the New Jersey Law Journal has reported that legalised DFS could help generate up to $6.6m (€5.6m) a year in additional revenue for the state.
Other restrictions featured in the bill include a minimum age of 18 for players, a requirement for operators to apply for a permit in the state, as well as a number of consumer protections such as banning play by employees of DFS brands.
Marc La Vorgna, acting as a spokesperson for leading DFS brands DraftKings and FanDuel, praised both New Jersey and Christie for moving to regulate fantasy sports.
“By taking this action, New Jersey is now the 16th state to enact a law protecting fantasy sports fans and guaranteeing their right to play the games they love, while establishing rules to protect consumers as the industry grows and ensure the continued integrity of fantasy sports contests,” La Vorgna said, according to a statement published by Legal Sports Report.
“The law establishes multiple layers of oversight, placing New Jersey at the forefront of consumer protection nationally, and creating a new source of tax revenue with major potential for growth in the state.”
New Jersey remains just one of three US states to have also legalised certain forms of online gambling, alongside Nevada and Delaware.