**California Attorney General Declares Daily Fantasy Sports Illegal**
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a legal opinion stating that daily online fantasy sports platforms are now considered illegal in the state. This 33-page opinion clarifies that these platforms involve betting on sports, which aligns them with traditional sports wagering.
Bonta’s ruling specifically targets daily fantasy sports, distinguishing them from season-long fantasy leagues. The opinion notes, “Like traditional sports wagering, daily fantasy sports games enable participants to win or lose money based on the outcome of sporting events played by third-party athletes. Just because the operator is not betting against the players does not mean that the players are not betting against each other.”
While sports gambling has been illegal in California, fantasy sports have existed in a legal gray area for over a decade, generating billions in revenue. In a 2022 state election, voters decisively rejected a proposal to legalize online sports betting. Following this, California GOP lawmaker Scott Wilk sought a legal opinion on daily fantasy sports from the state’s Department of Justice.
The release of this opinion could significantly impact California’s fantasy sports industry. In response to Bonta’s ruling, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement emphasizing that the Attorney General acted independently and that the Governor, while disagreeing with the outcome, is open to collaborating with stakeholders to find a constructive path forward.
As the situation develops, the future of daily fantasy sports in California remains uncertain, with potential implications for both players and operators in the industry.
**FAQ**
**Q: What does the legal opinion from California’s Attorney General mean for daily fantasy sports?**
A: The opinion declares daily fantasy sports platforms illegal in California, categorizing them as a form of sports betting, which could disrupt the industry significantly.
