Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a formal opinion declaring that California fantasy sports are illegal under current state law. The opinion, released in early July, states that these contests constitute gambling and are not permitted under California’s long-standing prohibition on sports wagering. According to Bonta’s legal interpretation, fantasy sports contests offered by major platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy violate California’s Penal Code section 337a, which prohibits betting on games of chance. Bonta concluded that daily fantasy sports involve players staking money on uncertain future events, meeting the legal definition of illegal gambling in the state. This…

California DFS – or Daily Fantasy sports – has been thrown into uncertainty following a state order that could soon force major platforms to cease operations. The California Department of Justice issued letters to leading DFS companies, warning them to halt operations by early July or face potential enforcement. The directive affects major DFS operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog Fantasy. While the state has long allowed DFS to operate in a legal gray area, the new order asserts that the contests violate California’s gambling laws. The DOJ’s move follows growing pressure from tribal gaming interests and lawmakers who…

Delta Air Lines has begun surveying its passengers to assess potential interest in inflight sports betting. The move signals the airline’s exploration of offering betting services while in the air, a concept that has gained attention as carriers look for new ways to boost ancillary revenue. The survey, distributed to select passengers, asks questions about betting preferences, sports interests, and willingness to wager during a flight. It also explores how passengers currently engage with sports betting, and whether they would be open to using their mobile devices for real-money wagers while traveling. Legal and technical considerations, including jurisdictional compliance and…

Well race fans, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar at least through 2027. This announcement comes following a two-year contract extension, which was reached during the Canadian Grand Prix. The inaugural race in 2023 faced several issues, including inflated ticket and hotel prices, not to mention a disrupted practice session caused by a loose water valve cover. The incident damaged Carlos Sainz Jr.’s car and delayed the second practice until 4 a.m., forcing fans to leave before it resumed. In response, organizers lowered prices and moved the 2024 race start time from 10 p.m….

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, is rumored to be moving toward lifting is prohibition on athletes, coaches, and team staff from betting on professional sports. This is according to multiple sources, including Sports Illustrated. If approved by the Division I Board of Directors, changes could roll out as soon as June. During a video conference held on April 21st, the board voted overwhelmingly—21-1—in favor of directing the NCAA Council to adopt legislation that would deregulate the current prohibition. While the ban on gambling involving collegiate sports will remain firmly in place, the proposed changes reflect the NCAA’s evolving…

A few days ago we published an article on the California tribes and other competing interests for the sports betting market. And while we’re happy to report any progress in what seems like an impossibly convoluted situation, it seems that the excitement may have been premature. Now, tribal leaders themselves have released a statement which indicated there is still a long way to go before any sort of agreement. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) released a joint statement which makes it clear that tribes and commercial entities have not…