The Attorney General of Illinois in the US has followed her New York counterpart by ruling that daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are illegal under state law.
Lisa Madigan issued her decision yesterday (Wednesday) and told DFS market-leaders FanDuel and DraftKings to change their terms of use to “include Illinois as an additional state whose residents are not eligible to participate in contests”.
Madigan pointed out that state law “clearly declares that all games of chance or skill, when played for money, are illegal gambling in Illinois”.
She added: “It is my opinion that daily fantasy sports contests constitute illegal gambling under Illinois law.”
DraftKings and FanDuel were banned by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in November, although they are currently still operating under an interim stay until at least January 4, 2016.
David Boies, part of DraftKings’ legal team, said: “The company intends to promptly seek a judicial resolution of its right to offer daily fantasy sports contests to Illinois residents.
“As it does so, it will continue to abide by all relevant laws and will follow the direction of the courts. Pending that resolution the company will preserve the status quo.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
