DraftKings and FanDuel, the two largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites, claim that since fantasy sports are based on the skill of the competing player, they are not games of chance and general state gambling laws do not apply to them. This rejection has led to new developments and, hopefully, some clarification as to how far one can go before the proposed fantasy sports prize structure becomes illegal. To operate a legal fantasy sports gambling league, prizes awarded through the league must be disclosed to participants before each contest begins. The legal treatment of sports pools will also vary from state to state.
It is important to remember that fantasy sports are considered a game of skill in some jurisdictions, which is why it is legal. In this publication, we will discuss the relationship between state and federal gambling laws, as well as two characteristics of legal fantasy sports gambling under the Internet Gambling Illegal Enforcement Act (the “UIGEA”). Listing or delisting a state does not necessarily mean that DFS is illegal or legal in that state. The changing public attitude towards fantasy sports, combined with the growing acceptance of sports betting among the public, has helped to boost the legalization of sports betting.
The Sports Protection for Professionals and Fans Act is a federal law that prohibits sports betting. Every legal difference between daily fantasy sports (DFS), such as Underdog Fantasy, and sports betting comes down to the distinction between gambling and skill games. But are these pools legal? Ultimately, the reason why it took so long for sports betting to be legalized federally was because it had too much baggage and a bumpy history.
