Illinois DFS Lawsuit on the Fast-Track

DraftKings and FanDuel have each filed lawsuits against Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan following her determination that daily fantasy sports betting is illegal in the state. The basis of their argument is that DFS is based on skill and therefore not a violation of Illinois law. The companies hope to prevent her decision from banning them from offering their services to Illinois punters. "Persons whose wagers depend upon how particular, selected athletes perform in actual sporting events stand in no different stead than persons who wager on the outcome of any sporting event in which they are not participants," Madigan wrote. In a statement following Madigan's comments, FanDuel issued a statement of its own encouraging lawmakers to "give back to the people of Illinois the games they love." Democratic Rep. Mike Zalewski of Riverside seeks legalization and regulation of DFS betting with a proposal that would require punters to be at least 18-years-old and give operators the right to inquire regarding child support or tax debts on its players. Since the case was filed by the DFS companies, AG Lisa Madigan agreed to fast-track the court schedule and a bench trial, which will require submission of responses to the DFS complaints by January 22nd and completion of any discovery processes by April 28th with the possibility of a trial scheduled for June 2016. DraftKings' legal representative Randy Mastro has confidence in the company's success with the court actions. Under the terms of this agreement, FanDuel and DraftKings may continue to operate in Illinois until the matter is settled.