SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
US news sources have reported that Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is set to review the legality of Boston based DraftKings operations and its daily fantasy sports services targeting US sports consumers.
Issuing a short statement Healey’s Massachusetts state office commented “This is a new industry. It’s something that we’re reviewing, and we’ll learn more about it”.
The state office would decline to offer any details regarding the review, only confirming that it would be led by Healey and her research team.
Debate in the US has arisen regarding the legality of fantasy sports products which are exempt from the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
Nevertheless fantasy sports operators are facing calls for scrutiny, since many believe that their services mirror sports betting which is prohibited by the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)
The conformation of a review of DraftKings by Attorney Healey, follows Monday’s public criticism by New Jersey officials that fantasy sports was in breach of PASPA laws.
Furthermore New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, accused US Pro Leagues NHL,NFL and MLB of double-standards as they act as the biggest opponents of legalised sports betting, but have let their franchises freely partner with fantasy sports operators
Anyone who watched a game this weekend was inundated by commercials for fantasy sports websites, and it’s only the first week of the NFL season,” Pallone said in a statement.
“These sites are enormously popular, arguably central to the fans’ experience, and professional leagues are seeing the enormous profits as a result. Despite how mainstream these sites have become, the legal landscape governing these activities remains murky and should be reviewed.”
