DFS bill introduced in New York
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer introduces legislation seeking to classify daily fantasy sports as a game of skillÂ
New York Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has introduced legislation seeking to classify daily fantasy sports (DFS) as a game of skill just days after the stateâs attorney general ruled the activity was âillegal gamblingâ. [private]
The bill, SB6092, aims to clarify certain games of skill such as DFS that meet specific criteria are not games of chance and are therefore legal under New York gaming law.
The bill uses the same language as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which classifies DFS as a game of skill and making it legal in the majority of US states.
âRecently the attorney general has indicated he believes fantasy football sites are illegal gambling sites, in contradiction to federal law and the current definition of a game of chance,â Ranzenhofer said.
âTime and again New York has stood in the way, whether by overregulation or outright banning of activities that are legal and enjoyed in most states across the country.
âIt is important at this time to clarify that participation in fantasy skill games is legal and to protect the rights of businesses and individuals who wish to engage in this type of commerce,â he added.
The bill appears to be seeking to legalize DFS and not regulate it, and is similar to legislation tabled in Maryland and Kansas.
The news comes after a federal Judge yesterday confirmed an emergency DFS hearing would take place in New York on November 25.