California Attorney General Declares Daily Fantasy Sports Illegal Gambling
CALIFORNIA — California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a formal legal opinion declaring that daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests offered by companies like DraftKings and FanDuel qualify as illegal online sports betting under current state law.
In a detailed 33-page opinion released Thursday, Bonta argued that DFS involves wagering on athletic performance, which meets the legal definition of gambling in California. His opinion comes amid growing pressure from tribal gaming groups and state lawmakers concerned about the rapid growth of fantasy gaming platforms.
The opinion was issued at the request of Assemblymember Tom Lackey and adds new legal weight to the ongoing debate over whether DFS should be allowed without broader gambling reform.
“The operation of daily fantasy sports contests is not permitted under current California law,” Bonta said in the opinion, according to KTLA.
DFS Firms Caught in Legal Crossfire
Companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel have operated DFS contests in California for years, arguing that their platforms offer games of skill — not chance. But Bonta’s interpretation challenges that claim directly, asserting that the outcomes are still tied to real-life athletic performance and therefore fall under the umbrella of illegal wagering.
Despite multiple ballot initiatives to legalize online sports betting in California, none have passed. The most recent attempt in 2022 was defeated by a large margin at the polls.
Bonta’s opinion does not carry the force of law, but it could have significant influence over future court rulings and legislative action.
Governor Disagrees, But Open to Discussion
In response to the attorney general’s announcement, a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom said the governor disagrees with the interpretation, but welcomes ongoing dialogue.
“The governor welcomes a constructive path forward in collaboration with all stakeholders,” the spokesperson said.
Legal Expert: Opinion Holds Persuasive Authority
Chris Micheli, an adjunct law professor at the University of the Pacific, said that while Bonta’s opinion isn’t legally binding, it is still influential.
“The attorney general of California is authorized to issue written legal opinions,” Micheli said. “While they do not carry the force of law, they are what we call persuasive authority — they are often deferred to by California courts.”
This development is likely to add urgency to efforts either to legalize or restrict DFS platforms in California, which remains one of the largest untapped online betting markets in the country.
Do you participate in fantasy sports or use betting apps in California? Do you think daily fantasy sports should be legalized or banned? Share your opinion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — where policy meets public voice.
