Advocacy group says Illinois fantasy sports bill needs work

CHICAGO (AP) — A law enforcement advocacy group in Chicago says safeguards in proposed Illinois legislation on fantasy sports betting aren’t good enough and could open the door to organized crime.

The Chicago Crime Commission says background-check provisions in the bill provide too many loopholes and could lead to underworld infiltration.

The president of the nongovernment group, J.R. Davis, says the proposal “should not pass as drafted.”

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in December that such betting is illegal in Illinois. Supporters of the bill say it is designed to protect users from what is currently largely unregulated fantasy-sports betting.

Among other provision, the bill says only people 21 and older can play. It also sets up a system of licensing fees for operators. The measure is working its way through the state Legislature.

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