FanDuel, DraftKings Illegal in Illinois: AG

Daily fantasy sports betting, such as leagues like FanDuel and DraftKings, is illegal under Illinois law, Attorney General Lisa Madigan has said.

In an opinion issued Wednesday, Madigan said illegal gambling is when someone “plays a game of chance or skill for money” and that daily fantasy sports differ from the more traditional fantasy leagues because of the short period in which they are played.

“It is my opinion that the daily fantasy sports contests offered by FanDuel and DraftKings clearly constitute gambling” in the criminal code, Madigan wrote.

Requests from both daily fantasy companies that they are exempt from Illinois law due to legality under federal law were denied.

Legislation in both the Senate and House has been introduced to legalize these such contests.

A proposal filed by Chicago Democrat Rep. Mike Zalewski would regulate the games by instituting audits and barring employees from competing, according to WGN. If passed, the law would prohibit anyone under 18 from playing and allow sites to check players for child support or tax liens.