Fantasy sports sites support Illinois regulation plan

In this Oct. 25, 2015, photo, workers set up a DraftKings promotions tent in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass., before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and New York Jets. | Charles Krupa/AP File)

SPRINGFIELD — Fantasy sports sites are in favor of an Illinois House plan to regulate contested online sports betting.

Boston-based DraftKings and New York-based FanDuel are expected to announce their support of a proposal sponsored by Illinois Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) at the Capitol on Thursday.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued an opinion in December saying the sites were illegal. The companies argued the opinion could destroy a “legitimate industry” allowed by state law.

New York and Texas have also issued opinions challenging the legality of the industry.

The Virginia General Assembly has passed legislation regulating the sites. Virginia is the first state in the country to establish a legal framework for fantasy sports. Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe can sign or veto the plan.

The sites have been banned in six states.

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