DraftKings and FanDuel call for regulation in New York - 10th December 2015

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DraftKings and FanDuel have called on lawmakers in New York to develop a series of regulations for daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the US state.

DFS faces an uncertain future in New York after state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman imposed a ban on such activities and ordered DraftKings and FanDuel to stop taking new customers in the state.

However, both DraftKings and FanDuel will have the chance to argue their case after launching a legal challenge against the ruling, with both operators saying that the decision is unfair, claiming they are abiding with state law.

DraftKings and FanDuel have been in attendance at an ongoing hearing into the case this week, with representatives from both companies calling on New York not only to introduce regulations for DFS, but allow the operators to be involved with the process.

“Let me make one thing perfectly clear at the outset: Fantasy sports games, daily or traditional, are perfectly legal under New York law,” Randy Mastro, a lawyer representing DraftKings, said.

“Daily fantasy sports games have been played openly, permissibly, honestly in New York by hundreds of thousands of fans — including some members of the Assembly.”

A committee, led by assemblyman Gary Pretlow, will use the hearing to examine whether New York should pass a law requiring the state to regulate the industry.

Despite claims from lawyers that DFS contests are legal in New York, Pretlow disagreed, stating that such games are legal under current state law, but also said the purpose of the hearing is not to discuss this matter.

Pretlow said: “We’re not here to litigate the legality of fantasy sports. That is in the courts right now and regardless as to what the outcome of that case is, what we’re interested in is in regulations, licensure, consumer protection.

“Those are the issues we’re interested in for the state of New York.”