Massachusetts AG proposes raft of DFS regulations
Maura Healey outlines measures to block players under the age of 21 and address problem gamblersÂ
Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) Maura Healey (pictured) has announced a raft of daily fantasy sports (DFS) regulations she wants to see implemented in the state. [private]
In a press conference yesterday, Healey outlined a range of measures aimed at improving consumer protections including blocking players under the age of 21 from taking part in contests.
The draft regulations, which will be filed with the Secretary of Stateâs office today, include measures to ensure âmore truthful advertisingâ and an âincrease in transparencyâ.
Operators would also be required to protect player deposits, ensure robust data and security measures are in place, address problem gamblers, and change games to provide a more level playing field.
The AGâs office said it had begun its investigation into DFS earlier this year and that its probe was still ongoing with the proposed regulations a reaction to some concerns it had raised so far.
âThis is a first step, but an important step, as we continue to evaluate this new industry and make sure our laws keep up with these evolving technologies,â Healey said.
There will now be an open comment period until January 22, and DraftKings said it felt the attorney general had taken a âthoughtful and comprehensiveâ approach to DFS in the state.
âWhile we do have some concerns with the draft regulations, we intend to work closely with the attorney generalâs office to ensure we are operating in the best interest of our customers.
âWe will utilize the next 60 days to share our comments in the hopes of effecting some changes and are firmly committed to continuing to operate in a lawful and transparent manner.
âWe will immediately begin taking steps to prepare to implement the changes to our product that the attorney general requires,â the firm added.
Rival FanDuel said the proposed regulations make a âtremendous amount of senseâ by providing protections to consumers while allowing them to continue playing DFS.
âFanDuel believes that regulations which increase transparency and ensure contests are fair will benefit the entire fantasy industry,â the firm said in a statement.
âWe appreciate that there will be a public notice and comment period to collect input from all relevant parties and will submit our comments to the regulations in the next 60 days.â
The news comes after New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman ruled that DFS was âillegal gamblingâ under state law and asked FanDuel and DraftKings to shut their sites immediately.