California attorney general says daily fantasy sports are illegal gambling
Rob Bonta has issued a statement saying should be treated the same as sports betting.
US.- California Attorney General Rob Bonta has stated that daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms are included under the state’s definition of gaming and are not legal in California. He said that in his legal opinion, DFS should be treated the same as sports betting, which is banned in California.
He said that as players pay an entry fee and can win real money based on the performance of athletes, the vertical qualifies as sports betting. The opinion was issued in response to a request from State Assembly member Tom Tackey.
He stated: “California law prohibits the operation of daily fantasy sports games with players physically located within California, regardless of where the operators and associated technology are located. Such games constitute wagering on sports in violation of Penal Code section 337a.”
However, governor Gavin Newsom’s office has said the governor does not agree with the view. “The Attorney General, in his independent capacity, issued this opinion — not the Governor’s office,” a spokesperson said “While the Governor does not agree with the outcome, he welcomes a constructive path forward in collaboration with all stakeholders.”
California remains one of the US states where online sports betting is illegal. Ballots to legalise sports betting, including the most recent in 2022, have failed at the polls.
