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Court rules fantasy sports contests are illegal gambling

Posted at 11:12 PM, Feb 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-06 23:12:38-05

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Daily fantasy sports contests face an uncertain future in New York after an appellate court ruled that the activity amounts to illegal gambling.

The court upheld Thursday a previous decision that ruled daily fantasy sports violated the state constitution’s ban on gambling.

The court also ruled that the Legislature unlawfully authorized the activity by classifying it as a game of skill, not chance.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law in 2016 that cleared the way for companies like DraftKings and FanDuel to operate in New York.

A state attorney general's spokesman said a decision hasn't been made on whether to appeal Thursday's decision to the state's highest court.