Daily fantasy sports leaders react to Illinois A.G. opinion

Daily fantasy sports market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings have reacted quickly to Wednesday’s opinion by Illinois AG Lisa Madigan that their activities constitute gambling and are therefore illegal in the state.

On Thursday the two companies filed separate cases fighting the opinion and insisting that their contests are games of skill allowed by Illinois law.

The Associated Press news agency reported that FanDuel filed its lawsuit in Illinois’ Sangamon County along with Head2Head Sports LLC, a season-long fantasy contest operator. DraftKings filed suit Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court in Chicago.

The litigation seeks to halt Madigan from enforcing her interpretation of the law, which would require them to stop operating in the state.

AG Madigan’s action “has set off a chain of events that if unchecked will unjustly destroy a legitimate industry,” the lawsuit filed by DraftKings declares.

Attorney Randy Mastro, who represents DraftKings, said the company took legal action “so that the hundreds of thousands of Illinois fans who have played openly and honestly for nearly a decade will know they can continue to enjoy the fantasy sports games they love.”

Illinois residents make up 10 percent of DraftKings customers, according to the court filing.

The AG has declined to comment.