Fantasy sports group hires first lobbyist

About 27 million people in the United States play fantasy sports, the group estimates, and the association has added more than 100 member businesses since its first conference in 1999.  

“[The FSTA] sees these states where people can’t have fun, people can’t play their games. Businesses can’t make money,” McCoy said. “What the FSTA sees is that it’s a win for everyone.”

McCoy plans to focus his lobbying efforts at the state level and said the association’s advocacy could expand over time, perhaps even with grassroots outreach. 

Raising money for political giving will also be on the association’s agenda. McCoy said the group is working to create its own political action committee. 

McCoy said he doesn’t foresee lobbying Congress or the administration in the near future since the fantasy sports industry is already legal under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. 

The association doesn’t plan to get involved in the fight over legalizing online poker. 

“I don’t see any effect on us. I don’t see it hurting our industry,” McCoy said. “I think that fantasy sports leagues are so different from online poker.”