Daily fantasy sports operators are reaching a deal with Illinois AG Lisa Madigan
DraftKings and FanDuel will be able to continue their operations in Illinois after negotiating a cease fire.
US.- On December 23rd, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Madigan released an opinion, which stated that Daily fantasy sports (DFS) was a gambling activity and thus illegal under the state’s law and therefore DraftKings and FanDuel were expected to cease operating in her state. On its part, DraftKings and FanDuel filed legal papers in a bid to block Madigan’s efforts.
Last Tuesday, Madigan negotiated a deal with DraftKings to set a court schedule for their legal fight. Madigan’s office has until Jan. 22 to file its response to DraftKing’s legal complaint. Then, both parties have until April 28 to complete the discovery phase and a trial, if it comes to that, which is expected to commence on June 27. FanDuel filed a similar complaint against Madigan last week so it is believed to be negotiating the same kind of deal, which announcement is expected before the end of the day.
In the meantime, both operators are hoping that state legislators will amend the necessary statutes to declare DFS a legal activity before the date of the trial. State Rep. Mike Zalewski, who introduced DFS-friendly legislation in October told David Purdum from ESPN he expects to gain enough support to pass the consumer protection bill before the current sessions expiration in May.
