California Attorney General says daily fantasy sports action imminent
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has told KCRA 3 that daily fantasy sports operators can expect legal action taken against them if they continue to operate in the state.
Bonta was speaking at a virtual press conference for the first time since releasing his legal opinion that DFS is sports gambling and is, therefore, illegal in the state.
In the opinion, published on 3 July, Bonta wrote, “yes, California law prohibits the operation of daily fantasy sports games with players physically located within California, regardless of where the operators and associated technology are located. Such games constitute wagering on sports in violation of Penal Code section 337a.”
In the same press conference, Bonta was asked why he released his legal opinion when his two previous predecessors had declined to do so. He said he was the first to get a formal request specifically for the legal opinion.
Bonta told reporters, “it’s our duty, not our discretion, but we are mandated, we shall respond and provide an opinion as appropriately requested under the law. We must, and we did.”
Since the conference, DFS operators like PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy remain active in the state, along with major sportsbooks FanDuel and DraftKings, which offer DFS.
Dig deeper
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2025/07/07: California AG declares daily fantasy sports games illegal
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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