Mass. Gaming Commission: Daily Fantasy Sports May Still be Illegal Despite Regulation Proposal

On January 11, 2016, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission released a report questioning the legality of daily fantasy sports (DFS) under state laws. The report, called the “White Paper on Daily Fantasy Sports,” was issued the day before the public hearing on Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey’s proposed regulations. In November 2015, Healey proposed consumer protection regulations for DFS rather than banning companies’ operations altogether.

In sum, the Commission argued that while regulations may protect consumers, they do not change the fact that DFS …

January 11, 2016 Fantasy Sports

DraftKings, FanDuel Granted Stay of Preliminary Injunction in New York

News first broke from ESPN’s Darren Rovell that the New York Appellate Court decided to grant DraftKings and FanDuel their motions to stay preliminary injunction pending appeal. The decision was issued Monday January 11, 2016.

DraftKings and FanDuel—industry leaders in daily fantasy sports (DFS) — have been involved in litigation with New York Attorney General Eric Scneiderman since November 2015. In October 2015, Schneiderman sent the companies cease and desist letters, claiming that the companies must terminate business operations in New York because DFS …

December 11, 2015 Fantasy Sports

Fantasy Sports Are Gambling? NY Judge Says Yes, Orders DFS Sites to Stop Operating in the Empire State

New York Judge Manuel J. Mandez granted preliminary injunctions against Daily Fantasy Sports sites DraftKings and FanDuel on Friday December 11, 2015. The injunctions were sought by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, and the court order will temporarily shut down the DFS sites throughout the site, at least until the conclusion of litigation on the matter is over. In essence, Judge Mandez has declared that the DFS sites are forms of illegal gambling under New York law.

According to the order, DraftKings and FanDuel …

November 20, 2015 Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports in Massachusetts: AG Proposes Regulations Rather Than Prohibition

On Thursday November 19, 2015, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey released proposed regulations for daily fantasy sports (DFS). The proposal follows New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s decision to completely ban the two industry leaders— DraftKings and FanDuel — from accepting wagers from New York residents.

Unlike Schneiderman’s decision, which is currently being questioned in New York state courts, Healey proposes increased regulations rather than a complete prohibition.

In a statement, Healey argued that the DFS industry “cries out for transparency and robust consumer protection.” …