1. A. The Department shall consider all applications for a permit and shall issue a valid permit to an applicant that meets the criteria set forth in this chapter.

2. B. The Department shall deny a permit to any applicant unless it finds that:

   1. 1. If the corporation is a stock corporation, such stock is fully paid and nonassessable and has been subscribed and paid for only in cash or property to the exclusion of past services and, if the corporation is a nonstock corporation, that there are at least five members;
   2. 2. All principal stockholders or members have submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth for the purposes of this chapter, and all nonresident principal stockholders or members have designated the Director of the Department as their agent for receipt of process;
   3. 3. The applicant's articles of incorporation provide that the corporation may, on vote of a majority of the stockholders or members, purchase at fair market value the entire membership interest of any stockholder or require the resignation of any member who is or becomes unqualified for such position under subsection C; and
   4. 4. The applicant meets the criteria established by the Department for the granting of a permit.

3. C. The Department may deny a permit to an applicant if it finds that the applicant, or any officer, partner, principal stockholder, or director of the applicant:

   1. 1. Has knowingly made a false statement of material fact or has deliberately failed to disclose any information requested;
   2. 2. Is or has been found guilty of any illegal, corrupt, or fraudulent act, practice, or conduct in connection with any fantasy contest in the Commonwealth or any other state or has been convicted of a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, or any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust within the 10 years prior to the date of application for a permit;
   3. 3. Has at any time knowingly failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter or of any requirements of the Board;
   4. 4. Has had a registration or permit to hold or conduct fantasy contests denied for just cause, suspended, or revoked in any other state or country;
   5. 5. Has legally defaulted in the payment of any obligation or debt due to the Commonwealth; or
   6. 6. Is not qualified to do business in the Commonwealth or is not subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth.
4. D. Any operator applying for a permit or renewal of a permit may operate during the application period unless the Department has reasonable cause to believe that such operator is or may be in violation of the provisions of this chapter and the Department requires such operator to suspend the operation of any fantasy contest until a permit or renewal of a permit is issued.
5. E. The Department shall issue such permit within 60 days of receipt of the application for a permit. If a permit is not issued, the Department shall provide the operator with a specific justification for not issuing such permit.
6. F. At least 60 days before the expiration of a permit, an operator shall submit a renewal application, on forms prescribed by the Department, accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $25,000. The Department shall make a determination on an application for a renewal of a fantasy contest permit within 30 days of receipt. Any fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be payable to the State Treasurer. All such fees received by the State Treasurer shall be remitted to the Department for the administration of this chapter.

2026, cc. 565, 566.