TRENTON -- It's now up to Gov. Chris Christie to decide if New Jersey will start taxing and regulating companies in the popular -- but highly scrutinized -- daily fantasy sports industry.

The Democratic-controlled state Senate voted this past Friday to give final legislative approval to a Democratic-sponsored measure that would establish guidelines for companies that operate such games in the Garden State and impose a 10.5 percent tax on the companies' winnings.

The state Assembly, which is also controlled by Democrats, passed the measure last month.

The legislation now heads to Christie's desk for his signature or veto.

In daily fantasy sports, players create virtual teams made up of professional athletes and compete against each other in either daily or weekly competitions to win money. The industry exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to ubiquitous television commercials.

This bill (S1927/A3532) would regulate only professional operators of daily or weekly games. It would not affect small-scale season-long fantasy sports competitions organized among family and friends.

Under the bill, the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs would issue permits to daily fantasy sports operators, as well as casinos and racetracks who partner with the companies.

The nonpartisan state Office of Legislative Services estimates the legislation would produce at least $6.6 million in revenue for the state each year.

Still, state Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), the measure's main sponsor, told the Associated Press the main goal is to protect people who play daily fantasy sports. The industry has faced allegations of insider knowledge and controversial advertising campaigns.

"It's a consumer protection measure as opposed to something we're looking to make a ton of money off of," said Whelan. "Hopefully the governor will sign this and we'll be able to keep daily fantasy sports going in New Jersey. That was always the goal."

The bill would prohibit players who are under 18 and bar the offering of any fantasy games linked to high school sports.

But it's unclear what Christie, a Republican, will do with the measure. During a presidential debate in 2015, Christie, then a candidate in the GOP primary, rejected the idea of regulating fantasy sports.

"Are we really talking about getting the government involved in fantasy football?" he asked. "Wait a second. We have $19 trillion in debt, we have people out of work, we have ISIS and al Qaeda attacking us -- and we're talking about fantasy football? Can we stop?"

"Enough on fantasy football," Christie said. "Let the people play. Who cares?"

Such regulations have reportedly hurt the industry. The Fantasy Sports Trade Association estimated that two-thirds of companies have closed or been acquired by competitors since last year.

The industry launched an expensive lobbying campaign as states across the nation have considered similar measures.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.