DraftKings and Fanduel agree to exit Idaho DFS market
News on 3 May 2016
News on 3 May 2016
Daily fantasy sports market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings have followed their voluntary exit from the Alabama DFS market this week (see previous report) with a voluntary departure from the Idaho market.
The decisions follow negotiations with Idaho state Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, who has issued an opinion that real-money DFS competitions constitute illegal gambling in terms of state law.
The two companies have started to block Idaho residents effective May 1, Wasden advised Monday in a press statement, adding that the ban applies to daily paid online fantasy football, baseball, basketball and other sports contests.
“Idaho defines gambling, in part, as risking money or other thing of value for gain that is contingent in whole or part upon chance or the outcome of an event, including a sporting event,” Wasden said.
“My concern is that the daily fantasy sports offerings my office reviewed require participants to risk money for a cash prize contingent upon individual athletes’ collective performances in various future sporting events. As I see it, this falls within Idaho’s definition of gambling.”
The AG applauded FanDuel and DraftKings for negotiating in good faith and agreeing not to make their contests available in Idaho.
Local press reports indicate that the DFS companies still could offer free fantasy sports contests to Idaho residents, and note that the door is still open in Idaho if state lawmakers take the initiative and pass appropriate legalising laws, or if a judicial decision overturns the AG’s opinion.
