Ep 554: Game Over for DFS in California?

Jul 8, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, SBC's Managing Editor, Jessica Welman and Senior Journalist, Tom Nightingale, unpack the seismic opinion from California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office that has turned the entire Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) industry on its head.

This isn't just a regulatory update; it's a deep dive into the skill vs chance debate that defines the core of fantasy sports betting and its complex legal standing in California.

Both Jessica and Tom unwind the origins of this long-bubbling issue, from Senator Scott Wilk's 2023 request for a legal opinion to the Attorney General's office. The duo delve into the details of the AG's opinion, authoured by Deputy Attorney General, Karim J. Kentfield, which states that no version of DFS complies with state law, broadly interpreting "result of a sporting event" and viewing pick'em fantasy as parlays.

Learn about the immediate and varied reactions to the non-binding advisory opinion, including Governor Gavin Newsom's swift disagreement which offers a "glimmer of hope" for operators. The episode highlights how major players like FanDuel and DraftKings are navigating this uncertainty, with DraftKings notably respectfully disagreeing and affirming its intent to continue offering peer-to-peer fantasy contests, including salary cap, Pick Six, and best ball formats, which it believes are legal games of skill.

To find out more about the topic discussed in today's episode, click on the following link:

- https://sbcamericas.com/2025/07/03/dfs-opinion-california-breakdown/

Host: Jessica Welman
Guest: Tom Nightingale
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast.

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.