Fantasy sports betting deemed unconstitutional by New York judge

BETTING on fantasy sports in New York could go the way of the dodo after a judge ruled the practice unconstitutional this week.

Albany Supreme Court Justice, Gerald Connolly, declared a 2016 compromise that permitted betting on fantasy sports invalid.

The move was greeted warmly by anti-gambling activists and throws the young industry into turmoil, not only in New York, but right around the USA.

• Read more about New York’s online gambling laws and history here

After arriving at his decision Justice Connolly offered the proviso that New York lawmakers still had the authority to decriminalise daily fantasy-sports betting.

Lawyer Neil Murray, representing a group of recovering gambling addicts and other anti-gambling groups, believed the result was a victory and said the plaintiffs would now wait and see how the state reacts before deciding on any action against New York to enforce the decision.

The two biggest fantasy sports betting websites, DraftKings and FanDuel, will continue to offer their services to their customers, while New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has since stated his office is reviewing the ruling.

DraftKings lawyer David Boies did not buy into the doom and gloom surrounding the company following the decision.

“We are continuing to study the court’s decision invalidating the regulatory structure and are committed to working with the legislature,” Boies said.

It appears the worst-case scenario for DraftKings and FanDuel will be a long, protracted fight on a gambling referendum to provide fresh regulation.

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