{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/59.1-557.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/59.1-557.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/59.1-557.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/59.1-557.html"}],"law_id":81148,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81148,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-557","catch_line":"Registration of fantasy contest operators required; application for registration; issuance of registration certificate; penalty","history":"2016, cc. 318, 703; 2025, c. 664.","full_text":"A\n\nNo fantasy contest operator shall offer any fantasy contest in the Commonwealth without first being registered with the Department. Applications for registration shall be on forms prescribed by the Department. Any registration issued by the Department shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.B\n\nThe application for registration submitted by a fantasy contest operator shall contain the following information:1\n\nThe name and principal address of the applicant; if a corporation, the state of its incorporation, the full name and address of each officer and director thereof, and, if a foreign corporation, whether it is qualified to do business in the Commonwealth; if a partnership or joint venture, the name and address of each officer thereof;2\n\nThe address of any offices of the applicant in the Commonwealth and its designated agent for process within the Commonwealth. If no such agent is designated, the applicant shall be deemed to have designated the Commissioner of the Department. If the operator does not maintain an office, the name and address of the person having custody of its financial records;3\n\nThe place where and the date when the applicant was legally established and the form of its organization;4\n\nThe names and addresses of the officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried executive staff officer;5\n\nThe name and address of each principal stockholder or member of such corporation; and6\n\nSuch information as the Department deems necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.C\n\nEvery registration filed under this chapter shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable, initial application fee set by the Department.D\n\nAs a condition of registration, a fantasy contest operator shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Department that the operator has established and will implement procedures for fantasy contests that:1\n\nPrevent him or his employees and relatives living in the same household as the operator from competing in any public fantasy contest offered by such operator in which the operator offers a cash prize;2\n\nPrevent the sharing of confidential information that could affect fantasy contest play with third parties until the information is made publicly available;3\n\nVerify that any fantasy contest player is 21 years of age or older;4\n\nEnsure that players who are the subject of a fantasy contest are restricted from entering a fantasy contest that is determined, in whole or part, on the accumulated statistical results of a team of individuals in which such players are participants;5\n\nAllow individuals to restrict themselves from entering a fantasy contest upon request and take reasonable steps to prevent those individuals from entering the operator’s fantasy contests;6\n\nDisclose the number of entries a single fantasy contest player may submit to each fantasy contest and take reasonable steps to prevent such players from submitting more than the allowable number; and7\n\nSegregate player funds from operational funds in separate accounts and maintain a reserve in the form of cash, cash equivalents, irrevocable letter of credit, bond, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay all prizes and awards offered to winning participants.E\n\nIf the registration forms are filed online using a website approved by the Commissioner of the Department, the operator shall follow the procedures on that website for signing the forms.F\n\nAny operator that allows its registration to lapse, without requesting an extension of time to file, shall be required to resubmit an initial registration. An extension may be granted by the Department upon receipt of a written request.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":290850,"text":"No fantasy contest operator shall offer any fantasy contest in the Commonwealth without first being registered with the Department. Applications for registration shall be on forms prescribed by the Department. Any registration issued by the Department shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":290851,"text":"The application for registration submitted by a fantasy contest operator shall contain the following information:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":290852,"text":"The name and principal address of the applicant; if a corporation, the state of its incorporation, the full name and address of each officer and director thereof, and, if a foreign corporation, whether it is qualified to do business in the Commonwealth; if a partnership or joint venture, the name and address of each officer thereof;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":290853,"text":"The address of any offices of the applicant in the Commonwealth and its designated agent for process within the Commonwealth. If no such agent is designated, the applicant shall be deemed to have designated the Commissioner of the Department. If the operator does not maintain an office, the name and address of the person having custody of its financial records;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":290854,"text":"The place where and the date when the applicant was legally established and the form of its organization;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":290855,"text":"The names and addresses of the officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried executive staff officer;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":290856,"text":"The name and address of each principal stockholder or member of such corporation; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":290857,"text":"Such information as the Department deems necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":290858,"text":"Every registration filed under this chapter shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable, initial application fee set by the Department.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":290859,"text":"As a condition of registration, a fantasy contest operator shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Department that the operator has established and will implement procedures for fantasy contests that:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"10":{"id":290860,"text":"Prevent him or his employees and relatives living in the same household as the operator from competing in any public fantasy contest offered by such operator in which the operator offers a cash prize;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"11":{"id":290861,"text":"Prevent the sharing of confidential information that could affect fantasy contest play with third parties until the information is made publicly available;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"D3"},"12":{"id":290862,"text":"Verify that any fantasy contest player is 21 years of age or older;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"D3","prefix_anchor":"D3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"D4"},"13":{"id":290863,"text":"Ensure that players who are the subject of a fantasy contest are restricted from entering a fantasy contest that is determined, in whole or part, on the accumulated statistical results of a team of individuals in which such players are participants;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"D4","prefix_anchor":"D4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D3","next_prefix":"D5"},"14":{"id":290864,"text":"Allow individuals to restrict themselves from entering a fantasy contest upon request and take reasonable steps to prevent those individuals from entering the operator’s fantasy contests;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"D5","prefix_anchor":"D5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D4","next_prefix":"D6"},"15":{"id":290865,"text":"Disclose the number of entries a single fantasy contest player may submit to each fantasy contest and take reasonable steps to prevent such players from submitting more than the allowable number; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"D6","prefix_anchor":"D6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D5","next_prefix":"D7"},"16":{"id":290866,"text":"Segregate player funds from operational funds in separate accounts and maintain a reserve in the form of cash, cash equivalents, irrevocable letter of credit, bond, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay all prizes and awards offered to winning participants.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"D7","prefix_anchor":"D7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D6","next_prefix":"E"},"17":{"id":290867,"text":"If the registration forms are filed online using a website approved by the Commissioner of the Department, the operator shall follow the procedures on that website for signing the forms.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D7","next_prefix":"F"},"18":{"id":290868,"text":"Any operator that allows its registration to lapse, without requesting an extension of time to file, shall be required to resubmit an initial registration. An extension may be granted by the Department upon receipt of a written request.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15789,"edition_id":1,"name":"Fantasy Contests Act","identifier":"51","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12809,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:59:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:59:37","permalink":{"id":262663,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15789,"identifier":"51","token":"59.1\/51","url":"\/59.1\/51\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12809,"edition_id":1,"name":"Trade and Commerce","identifier":"59.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","permalink":{"id":259521,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12809,"identifier":"59.1","token":"59.1","url":"\/59.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60848,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-556","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/59.1-556\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-556","metadata":false},{"id":81148,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-557","catch_line":"Registration of fantasy contest operators required; application for registration; issuance of registration certificate; penalty","url":"\/59.1-557\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-557","metadata":false},{"id":75725,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-558","catch_line":"Issuance of registration; denial of same","url":"\/59.1-558\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-558","metadata":false},{"id":76769,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-559","catch_line":"Independent audit required; submission to Department","url":"\/59.1-559\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-559","metadata":false},{"id":74156,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-560","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Department","url":"\/59.1-560\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-560","metadata":false},{"id":61517,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-561","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of registration","url":"\/59.1-561\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-561","metadata":false},{"id":79068,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-562","catch_line":"Hearing and appeal","url":"\/59.1-562\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-562","metadata":false},{"id":62416,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-563","catch_line":"Fees and charges","url":"\/59.1-563\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-563","metadata":false},{"id":78196,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-564","catch_line":"Department to adjust fees; certain transfer of money collected prohibited","url":"\/59.1-564\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-564","metadata":false},{"id":65371,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-565","catch_line":"Public inspection of information filed with Department; charges for production","url":"\/59.1-565\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-565","metadata":false},{"id":68766,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-566","catch_line":"Registration not endorsement","url":"\/59.1-566\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-566","metadata":false},{"id":79411,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-567","catch_line":"Acquisition of interest in fantasy contest operator","url":"\/59.1-567\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-567","metadata":false},{"id":75867,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-568","catch_line":"Civil penalty","url":"\/59.1-568\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-568","metadata":false},{"id":63167,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-569","catch_line":"Fantasy contests conducted under this chapter not illegal gambling","url":"\/59.1-569\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-569","metadata":false},{"id":80267,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-570","catch_line":"Liability imposed by other laws not decreased","url":"\/59.1-570\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-570","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":60848,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-556","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/59.1-556\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-556","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":75725,"structure_id":15789,"section_number":"59.1-558","catch_line":"Issuance of registration; denial of same","url":"\/59.1-558\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-558","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/59.1-557\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2016. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 318<\/a> and 703<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2025, chapter 664<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":76769,"section_number":"59.1-559","catch_line":"Independent audit required; submission to Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-559\/"},{"id":75867,"section_number":"59.1-568","catch_line":"Civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-568\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":262669,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81148,"identifier":"59.1-557","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-557","url":"\/59.1-557\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/59.1-557\/","token":"59.1\/51\/59.1-557","dublin_core":{"Title":"Registration of fantasy contest operators required; application for registration; issuance of registration certificate; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 59.1-557","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No fantasy contest operator<\/span> shall offer any fantasy contest in the Commonwealth without first being registered with the Department<\/span>. Applications for registration shall be on forms prescribed by the Department<\/span>. Any registration issued by the Department<\/span> shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The application for registration submitted by a fantasy contest operator<\/span> shall contain the following information: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The name and principal address of the applicant; if a corporation, the state of its incorporation, the full name and address of each officer and director thereof, and, if a foreign corporation, whether it is qualified to do business in the Commonwealth; if a partnership or joint venture, the name and address of each officer thereof; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The address of any offices of the applicant in the Commonwealth and its designated agent for process within the Commonwealth. If no such agent is designated, the applicant shall be deemed to have designated the Commissioner of the Department<\/span>. If the operator does not maintain an office, the name and address of the person having custody<\/span> of its financial records; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The place where and the date when the applicant was legally established and the form of its organization; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The names and addresses of the officers, directors, trustees, and principal salaried executive staff officer; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The name and address of each principal stockholder<\/span> or member of such corporation; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Such information as the Department<\/span> deems necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Every registration filed under this chapter shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable, initial application fee set by the Department<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> As a condition of registration, a fantasy contest operator<\/span> shall submit evidence<\/span> satisfactory to the Department<\/span> that the operator has established and will implement procedures for fantasy contests<\/span> that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Prevent him or his employees and relatives living in the same household as the operator from competing in any public fantasy contest offered by such operator in which the operator offers a cash prize; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Prevent the sharing of confidential information<\/span> that could affect fantasy contest play with third parties until the information is made publicly available; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Verify that any fantasy contest player<\/span> is 21 years of age or older; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Ensure that players<\/span> who are the subject of a fantasy contest are restricted from entering a fantasy contest that is determined, in whole or part, on the accumulated statistical results of a team of individuals in which such players<\/span> are participants; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Allow individuals to restrict themselves from entering a fantasy contest upon request and take reasonable steps to prevent those individuals from entering the operator’s fantasy contests<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Disclose the number of entries a single fantasy contest player<\/span> may submit to each fantasy contest and take reasonable steps to prevent such players<\/span> from submitting more than the allowable number; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Segregate player funds from operational funds in separate accounts and maintain a reserve in the form of cash, cash equivalents, irrevocable letter of credit, bond<\/span>, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay all prizes and awards offered to winning participants. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> If the registration forms are filed online using a website approved by the Commissioner of the Department<\/span>, the operator shall follow the procedures on that website for signing the forms. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any operator that allows its registration to lapse, without requesting an extension of time to file, shall be required to resubmit an initial registration. An extension may be granted by the Department<\/span> upon receipt of a written request. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREGISTRATION OF FANTASY CONTEST OPERATORS REQUIRED; APPLICATION FOR\nREGISTRATION; ISSUANCE OF REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE; PENALTY (\u00a7 59.1-557)\n\nA. No fantasy contest operator shall offer any fantasy contest in the\nCommonwealth without first being registered with the Department. Applications\nfor registration shall be on forms prescribed by the Department. Any\nregistration issued by the Department shall be valid for one year from the date\nof issuance.\n\nB. The application for registration submitted by a fantasy contest operator\nshall contain the following information:\n\n 1. The name and principal address of the applicant; if a corporation, the\n state of its incorporation, the full name and address of each officer and\n director thereof, and, if a foreign corporation, whether it is qualified to do\n business in the Commonwealth; if a partnership or joint venture, the name and\n address of each officer thereof;\n\n 2. The address of any offices of the applicant in the Commonwealth and its\n designated agent for process within the Commonwealth. If no such agent is\n designated, the applicant shall be deemed to have designated the Commissioner\n of the Department. If the operator does not maintain an office, the name and\n address of the person having custody of its financial records;\n\n 3. The place where and the date when the applicant was legally established and\n the form of its organization;\n\n 4. The names and addresses of the officers, directors, trustees, and principal\n salaried executive staff officer;\n\n 5. The name and address of each principal stockholder or member of such\n corporation; and\n\n 6. Such information as the Department deems necessary to ensure compliance\n with the provisions of this chapter.\n\nC. Every registration filed under this chapter shall be accompanied by a\nnonrefundable, initial application fee set by the Department.\n\nD. As a condition of registration, a fantasy contest operator shall submit\nevidence satisfactory to the Department that the operator has established and\nwill implement procedures for fantasy contests that:\n\n 1. Prevent him or his employees and relatives living in the same household as\n the operator from competing in any public fantasy contest offered by such\n operator in which the operator offers a cash prize;\n\n 2. Prevent the sharing of confidential information that could affect fantasy\n contest play with third parties until the information is made publicly\n available;\n\n 3. Verify that any fantasy contest player is 21 years of age or older;\n\n 4. Ensure that players who are the subject of a fantasy contest are restricted\n from entering a fantasy contest that is determined, in whole or part, on the\n accumulated statistical results of a team of individuals in which such players\n are participants;\n\n 5. Allow individuals to restrict themselves from entering a fantasy contest\n upon request and take reasonable steps to prevent those individuals from\n entering the operator’s fantasy contests;\n\n 6. Disclose the number of entries a single fantasy contest player may submit\n to each fantasy contest and take reasonable steps to prevent such players from\n submitting more than the allowable number; and\n\n 7. Segregate player funds from operational funds in separate accounts and\n maintain a reserve in the form of cash, cash equivalents, irrevocable letter\n of credit, bond, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay all\n prizes and awards offered to winning participants.\n\nE. If the registration forms are filed online using a website approved by the\nCommissioner of the Department, the operator shall follow the procedures on that\nwebsite for signing the forms.\n\nF. Any operator that allows its registration to lapse, without requesting an\nextension of time to file, shall be required to resubmit an initial\nregistration. An extension may be granted by the Department upon receipt of a\nwritten request.\n\nHISTORY: 2016, cc. 318, 703; 2025, c. 664.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}