A few years ago, I knew an individual who was involved in five fantasy football leagues at the same time. He said the leagues consumed his entire weekend to track results and at least one weeknight to prepare. He also said it was the most fun he had pursuing a hobby since high school, where he learned to skeet shoot. If you are not familiar with the sub culture of fantasy sports, it involves the player creating fictitious teams, using real results from selected players and teams as they go through the season.
For example, it is possible that if you draft and trade correctly, you can have Tom Brady and Travis Kelce on the same team. The fantasy player is actually the coach, general manager, and owner. It takes a great amount of time and effort to understand how to build a team, what players play each week in games, all the while keeping track of schedules, injuries, and statistics. Most fantasy leagues charge an entrance fee, which can be anywhere from $25 to over $1,000, with a large payout to the top winners once the season is concluded. It is big business right now, and some people consider it a full time job.
When Fantasy Football Becomes More than a Hobby
While most jurisdictions agree that Fantasy Sports Leagues are not considered illegal gambling because the participation of which involves skill, the question for security clearance holders and aspirants is not whether it is illegal (check the laws in your state to make sure) but whether or not it is causing you financial problems and whether it is considered gambling or not. So in other words, the effect of your participation in fantasy sports is more important than the category it fits into. If it is considered compulsive behavior that is causing financial problems, mental health, or substance abuse issues, it is imperative that you be honest with the investigator. Luckily, in almost all instances it is not, according to the research I have done.
When It’s an Issue on Your SF-86
One caveat on fantasy sports – if you are successful, that could have implications on your taxes as any winnings over $600.00 must be reported. Reputable fantasy leagues will issue 1099s for those prizes. For IRS purposes, fantasy sports are considered gambling unless you can prove they rise to the level of a business. That in and of itself would cause you to report the fantasy sports participation on your SF-86 as self-employment, so be careful how you proceed on the characterizations of your activities.
If you enjoy competing in fantasy sports leagues, and it is not ruining your relationships, mental health, or financial status, by all means, continue. However, like anything else, step back every once in a while and evaluate your recreational choices to make sure the effect is positive.
