Illinois Declares Daily Fantasy Sports Illegal

The most recent state to target sites like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Image via DraftKings

When your industry makes a lot of money the government is going to try to regulate you, there's a pretty clear track record of that. And so it really comes as no surprise that sites like FanDuel and DraftKings have found their way into the crosshairs of state politicians trying to provide some sort of eye towards the previously unmonitored/absurd cash flow of said freaking sites. We've already seen it in Nevada and New York and possibly some other less important states. Today was Illinois' turn to weigh-in on the legality of the enormously popular way to play fantasy and/or waste money, and they ruled pretty much the way you'd expect: That the sites constitute illegal gambling. Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) came to that conclusion earlier this afternoon:

BREAKING: AG Lisa Madigan declares daily fantasy sports gambling under IL law. pic.twitter.com/u6Stw9Y281

— Danny Ecker (@DannyEcker) December 23, 2015

She also stated that she'd be sending a letter to the aforementioned sites that Illinois residents were unable to "compete" in their never-ending contests:

IL AG Madigan also sent letter to @FanDuel & @DraftKings noting they will need to post on their sites that IL players are not eligible.

— Danny Ecker (@DannyEcker) December 23, 2015

In addition to that State Rep. Mike Zalewski (also D) is proposing a bill to legalize the unrelentingly hyped industry for Land of Lincoln inhabitants looking for the cheap Sunday afternoon thrill that only a $50 grand prize can provide:

Statement from IL state Rep. Mike Zalewski, who proposed pending bill to legalize DFS: pic.twitter.com/XM87PoPXcY

— Danny Ecker (@DannyEcker) December 23, 2015

The pending legislation could be a surprisingly big deal in Illinois as the state is third amongst all 50 when it comes to playing Daily Fantasy Sports behind only New York (who we already mentioned) and California (who's also weighing the issue).

[via ESPN, @DannyEcker]

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com

Latest in Sports