Hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents enjoy playing fantasy sports, but collecting winnings in fantasy sports contests is illegal under Louisiana law. Louisiana is one of only five states that denies the right to play fantasy sports to its residents. Fantasy sports are considered a game of skill under federal law, and 45 states agree, but not Louisiana. Residents of Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana or Washington may only play in free contests. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Joe Lopinto, during the 2015 session, the state House overwhelmingly passed HB 475 to make clear that fantasy sports is legal for all in Louisiana as a game of skill. But the bill died in the Senate without receiving a vote. According to the statute, passed in 1997, fantasy sports wagerers are technically exposed to a maximum penalty of $500 fine and six months in jail. But the law is not being enforced on sports fans managing fake teams from their computers, Lopinto said.   He sponsored the bill, rather, after learning some Louisiana residents weren't able to receive their fantasy sports winnings -- one resident was upset he couldn't claim a T-shirts he'd won. The legislation (HB 475) would have carved out an exception to the state's online gambling statute for "any fantasy or simulation sports game, educational game or contest." Because fantasy football is based on skill, it's not legally considered gambling.  The bill advanced out of the House committee without objection and passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 71-20, with 14 members abstaining. Lopinto pulled it from the Senate Committee on Judiciary B with anticipation that it would have been rejected. Please help Louisiana get the basic online rights that 45 other states are currently receiving and that all 50 really deserve.