The state’s General Assembly reconvenes Wednesday. One of the measures it will take up this session is House Bill 7, which should offer a bit of levity from bitter debates over same-sex marriage, septic systems, gas taxes and the other usual partisan issues that typically ruin a nice day. House Bill 7’s title: “AN ACT concerning Criminal Law - Betting, Wagering, and Gambling - Fantasy Competition.”…. Ladies and gentleman of Maryland, we are now legislating fantasy football.
In the interest of full disclosure, let me start by stating that, while I LOVE football, I don’t understand the appeal of fantasy football. I just don’t get it. A few years ago, I allowed myself to be talked into joining a league where I worked at the time. The other players took the whole thing very seriously, doing all manner of research and heavy-duty thinking. I showed up on draft day, put together a team…and then forgot about the whole thing for the rest of the season. My team finished 8-8, which left me asking a very simple question: is any activity in which you can be mediocre without lifting a finger or burning a single brain cell even worth it? Admittedly, my view of fantasy football is all about the word “fantasy”. Still, I realize that, if it helps you enjoy the game a bit more, then where’s the harm in that, right?
God help you if you happen to be a fantasy football aficionado living in Maryland, though….
Back in 2006, the state attorney general’s office issued an opinion on poker tournaments that seems to ensnare fantasy sports players. (For the novices: Fantasy sports, played by more than 35 million Americans, involves choosing players and setting lineups for imaginary teams that play other imaginary teams in games that feel very, very real.)
The opinion said any game that requires decisions, the element of chance and a prize is gambling. That opinion, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, is a key reason why major fantasy football league organizers — including CBS, ESPN and others — forbid Marylanders to compete for prizes.
While no fantasy football players have been prosecuted in Maryland or nationally, Del. John Olszewski Jr. wants state law to be definitive on the matter so fantasy sports players can compete for prizes without fearing their next lineup change will be phoned in from the House of Corrections.
Evidently, having solved all other pressing problems, Maryland’s state government has now turned its attentions to the Old Line State’s very own NFL- “No Fun ‘llowed.” While I understand the desire to have a framework with which to deal with such issues as may arise, Maryland, like virtually every other state in the Union has significant issues facing it. Like not having enough money, f’rinstance.
Then then’s the whole “nanny state” issue. While I’m normally loathe to cast my lot with those who bemoan virtually everything government does that doesn’t benefit them directly, even I have to wonder about whether government really needs to have a voice in the conduct of fantasy football leagues. Yes, I understand that in some cases large amounts of money can be at stake. Those engaging in such games would normally be well-advised to assume that caveat emptor applies…meaning they can’t come running to government when things go south. If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars playing fantasy football, you’d best make sure you have your big boy pants on.
In an era when so many are screaming about the virtues of “small government”, Maryland’s House Bill 7 might well serve as Exhibit A for those seeking to shrink government down to the size where it can be drowned in a bathtub. And really, should any activity where mediocrity can be achieved by doing nothing even be considered worthy of regulation?
