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Illinois Lawmaker Claims Fantasy Sports Lobbyist Offered A Bribe

Sarah Mueller WUIS

A measure legalizing fantasy sports in Illinois has stalled in committee. A House representative says she saw an email suggesting donations for votes.

Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, said she was shown an email from a Fan Duel lobbyist that offered to make "considerations or donations" to get lawmakers to vote for the legislation. Fan Duel is major fantasy sports company.

"It is why I am not comfortable voting on this bill and I was initially a co-sponsor," she said during a committee hearing Thursday morning.

Mayfield said she reported the issue to the House ethics officer.

Jeremy Kudon, the national lobbyist for Fan Duel and fantasy sports company Draft Kings, denies any claim the companies acted unethically and said they don't condone such behavior.

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