HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing a bill to raise the minimum age for participating in paid fantasy sports contests from 18 to 21, while also modernizing the state’s fantasy sports laws by clarifying and expanding the definition of paid fantasy sports.
Lawmakers seek to protect younger players
Representative Dave Madsen, who serves Pennsylvania’s 104th district and is an additional sponsor of the bill, explained the motivation behind the proposed age increase.
“For our very new adults, I think we want to give them a little bit more time so that they don’t spend too much of their money,” Madsen said. “We see a lot of traps. We don’t want to see our young people fall prey to those types of things. It also lets them develop a little bit more before they start spending so much of their paycheck.”
If the bill passes, the change will apply statewide. Currently, participants must already be 21 to play paid fantasy contests at casinos.
Lawmakers noted that participation in paid fantasy sports has declined in recent years. They pointed to states like Massachusetts and Arizona, which have adopted similar laws and seen participation increase, particularly through modern contest expansions.
Sports fans divided over proposed age increase
The proposal has sparked differing opinions among sports fans. Some support the change, citing concerns about younger players’ financial readiness.
“I think they need to move it to 21 because sometimes the 18-year-olds don’t quite know what they’re doing,” Cynthia Duniver told WGAL.
Others believe that legal adults should have the freedom to participate.
“The biggest thing is as long as you’re responsible with it, it’s your money. I feel you should be able to do what you want with it,” Jon Macavoy said. “Fantasy sports give you a little more incentive to watch games, and keeps you more motivated. You feel like you’re the 12th man on the team. You get bragging rights too. And when you do hit, it’s nice to get paid out.”
Madsen said the bill is currently in committee in the House and that a decision is unlikely this session as it draws to a close.