DraftKings and FanDuel Baltimore lawsuit removed to federal court
A lawsuit filed by city of Baltimore officials against DraftKings and FanDuel has been removed to Maryland federal court after the operators filed for a Notice of Removal on 7 May.
The original lawsuit, filed in the Baltimore City Circuit Court by City Solicitor Ebony Thompson, alleged that the two sports betting platforms had violated Baltimore’s Consumer Protection Ordinance by exploiting vulnerable gamblers by enticing them with bonuses and exclusive offers to keep them betting on their platforms.
The Notice of Removal, filed by the operators’ attorneys, argues that the case should be removed to the District Court of Maryland and seeks federal jurisdiction as both companies are registered outside of Maryland.
DraftKings is headquartered in Boston, whereas FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment, is in Dublin, Ireland.
The filing also notes that, as Baltimore officials are seeking more than US$100,000 in civil penalties, the case should be moved to federal court as it exceeds the US$75,000 threshold, thus granting federal courts authority over the filing.
The city of Baltimore has until June to rebuke the filing so it can be returned to the city’s Circuit Court.
Dig deeper
2025/04/07: DraftKings and FanDuel sued by Baltimore officials for exploiting bettors
2025/05/06: Lawsuit filed in Alabama Federal Court against Stake.us
2025/04/01: FanDuel and DraftKings made peace with California tribes over sports betting expansion
2025/04/12: March Madness lifts DraftKings past FanDuel in New York
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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