Texas takes a stand against Daily Fantasy Sports
The state’s Attorney General claims DFS is illegal according to Texan laws.
US.- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, joins his colleagues from New York, Illinois, Vermont and Nevada in declaring Fantasy Daily Sports (FDS) illegal gambling.
“It is prohibited gambling in Texas if you bet on the performance of a participant in a sporting event and the house takes a cut. It’s my duty as Attorney General to look to the law, as passed by the people’s representatives, to answer the questions put to this office. Paid daily ‘fantasy sports’ operators claim they can legally operate as an unregulated house, but none of their arguments square with existing Texas law,” the AG stated.
On its part, DFS operators considers the skill component in their games does not leave the winnings to chance, but according to Paxton, state law only requires “partial chance” for any activity to be deemed gambling.
DraftKings released a statement affirming it will continue operations in Texas. The text reads: “We strongly disagree with the Attorney General’s prediction about what the courts may or may not do if ever presented with the issue of whether daily fantasy sports are legal under Texas law. The Texas Legislature has expressly authorized games of skill, and daily fantasy sports are a game of skill. The Attorney General’s prediction is predicated on a fundamental misunderstanding of DFS. We intend to continue to operate openly and transparently in Texas.” FanDuel has not made public declarations yet.
