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Winning parlays and talking smack is how some guys have fun in the 21st century of sports. However, it became more difficult in the Golden State. California has instituted a daily fantasy sports ban, and fans have mixed reactions. What happened, and what are the implications? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the California Daily Fantasy Sports Ban?
Sports betting in California just got a lot more complicated. Attorney General Rob Bonta unveiled his legal opinion in early July, saying online daily fantasy sports go against state law and are outlawed. In a statement, Bonta’s office told NBC San Diego it hasn’t created a new policy — it’s simply interpreting the existing legal code.
Technically, sports betting has been illegal in the state since 1909. If you’re playing a game of chance, you can’t bet on it. However, that hasn’t stopped Californians from betting against the spread and betting on their favorite teams. After all, how could you go against the Rams with a $6.9-billion valuation, especially with Coach McVay?
How Fans Are Reacting to the News
If you gamble, you may be outraged by the news. However, others are saying it’s good for the state. Here are opinions from supporters and detractors.
Cheers
The supporters have made their voices heard on Reddit and other forums:
- u/Vanzmelo: “Sports gambling has gotten so out of hand. I can’t stand it.”
- u/vellyr: “Good, f*** gambling.”
- u/Nik_Tesla: “I hope they ban it all.”
Jeers
While supporters exist, these users disagree with the ban:
- u/Prime624: “The sports gambling laws in CA are quite inconsistent. That said, sports gambling should be completely legal. Alcohol is also addictive, but we don’t ban that. I could support monetary limits, plus bans or limits on advertising.”
- u/One_Weird2371: “Legalize the gambling. Ban the advertisements like they did with tobacco.”
- u/PQ1206: “Holy nanny state.”
Detailing the Specifics
Understanding California law can be as complex as beating the 1972 Dolphins or wrestling Mark Henry. So, reviewing the specifics is essential to know what you can and can’t do.
What’s Not Allowed
The ban focuses on daily fantasy sports, including single-day and single-game lineups. You might pick a starting rotation of guys from the MLB, NBA or NFL and base your bets on their projected performances. Now, you won’t be allowed to predict statlines or over/unders. If your event includes draft or pick ’em-style contests, you probably aren’t allowed to do it.
What’s Still Allowed
The good news is you can still participate in other fantasy sports forms. For example, you don’t have to disband your longtime fantasy football league! You can still wheel and deal with trades and fleece your leaguemates. These games require skill, so they’re still allowed. Sports fans can also enter free-to-play contests and do informal leagues not run by commercial websites.
Is DraftKings Illegal in California Now?
So, what happens now? For the time being, your favorite betting platform will remain intact. The AG’s office hopes DraftKings, FanDuel and other prominent companies will comply with state law. It’s unlikely to see action taken anytime soon, so you can continue your sports gambling adventures. However, these corporations could face consequences later.
Technically, sports gambling has never been legal in California. It’s one of only 11 states nationwide where sports betting is forbidden. From Alabama to Alaska, jurisdictions have said no to these activities. While it’s illegal in the Golden State, enforcement hasn’t been strong. Despite the legal code, DraftKings and the other sportsbooks have operated in the state.
How the Sportsbooks Are Responding
Bookies won’t go down without a fight. The battle of public opinion has already started, and you’ll soon see it play out in the courts. For starters, DraftKings said it will continue offering contests as it has for nearly 15 years. FanDuel will meet with AG Bonta to navigate the law and ensure its place with Californians.
However, the most significant response from sportsbooks came from Underdog, which sued the attorney general to prevent the opinion’s release. While it was a substantial legal step, the action didn’t amount to much. A California state judge dismissed the lawsuit because Bonta’s opinion wouldn’t necessarily change existing laws.
Who Else Is Fighting the California Sports Betting Ban?
The 1919 Chicago White Sox were infamous for supporting gamblers, so they’d likely fight the ban. On a serious note, the AG’s opinion has plenty of detractors.
Unsurprisingly, the recent news has introduced a lot of ire from various sports committees. Advocacy groups across the board are coming together to support businesses and support consumer rights. Recently, the Social and Promotional Games Association formed a coalition to fight the ban. Some organizations include:
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Virtual Gaming World
- Association of National Advertisers
Another key detractor also has influence in the state capital. Governor Gavin Newsom disagreed with the AG and wants to work with various stakeholders.
Who’s Supporting the Daily Fantasy Sports Ban?
The sports and gambling communities have voiced their opinion, though the AG has supporters. Some of the biggest proponents are tribal groups, such as the Indian Gaming Association and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). These communities have supported gambling restrictions for decades, including propositions 26 and 27 on the 2022 ballot.
James May, chairman of the CNIGA, said more enforcement is necessary:
“Untold millions if not billions have been illegally wagered over the past decade. Where is the enforcement? Where is the accountability?” he said. “It is now imperative that the state back up this legal opinion with strong enforcement and that lawbreakers be held to account.”
Other supporters include those from anti-gambling groups and public health officials, who say daily fantasy sports can be problematic.
The Future of DFS in California
The daily landscape of California sports won’t necessarily change. For example, Shohei Ohtani will still dominate Dodger Stadium, and the 49ers will blow out the Cowboys. However, fans may have a completely different gameday tradition. DFS bans mean people could become less engaged in sports, affecting lesser-known leagues trying to gain national attention.
If FanDuel and DraftKings become illegal and leave California, fans statewide may turn to alternatives. For example, they might go to offshore websites that don’t have to comply with U.S. laws. These websites may be sketchy and lead to more trouble due to minimal oversight. It’s harder to trust these platforms because of their reputations.
Understanding the California Daily Fantasy Sports Ban
State laws can be complicated, and the Golden State’s attorney general hasn’t made it much easier. Sports betting in California is illegal, yet the law hasn’t been enforced for decades. However, crackdowns may be inevitable unless the government agrees on policies. The days of parlays and big payouts may soon end on the West Coast.
