Draft Kings Scandal

[Phishfan]

But ultimately, the distinction of what is "gambling" and what is a "game of skill" almost entirely an arbitrary decision by government officials.  Congress declared fantasy sports a "game of skill;" meanwhile, state law enforcement is rapidly declaring DFS "gambling."  Is there really any meaningful difference between the two?

I think the reasoning is less arbitrary than is being let on. I don't know anyone playing season long fantasy sports under the enticement of millions of dollar payouts while it is regularly advertised as enticement for dfs.

[Brian Fein]

^^ so the AMOUNT of money possible to win is what defines "gambling" or "competition"?

If so, then where is the line of demarkation?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

It is like pornography,  I know it when I see it.  Fantasy sports is gambling.   I don't care if it is legal or not, but if it is going to be legal it should be regulated like gambling.

[Brian Fein]

To me, gambling is a game of chance.  Sure, with fantasy sports, there is chance involved because random things happen in this world.  But, at the same time, the outcome of football games isn't totally random.  In Vegas, they created a system (the spread) to make choosing the outcome of football games closer to a 50/50 chance.  There is nothing like that in fantasy football.  You must have a working knowledge of players and teams to be successful.

Its no more gambling than entering a video game tournament is gambling when there is a big cash prize.

[MikeO]

You will see the government jump in and be all over this. It's an easy score for them and probably 1 thing the 2 parties can agree on.

ESPN is already distancing themselves from both companies. The sports leagues will begin to distance themselves from them. It won't kill this industry but they won't be as main stream going forward.

Not one to say I told ya so, but I told ya so! NY State started it and other states will follow. Easy score for the government to stop this. And ESPN and the leagues are starting to distance themselves already and curtailing some of the advertising they take from these companies.

The first domino has fallen. Illinois and Florida are about to also drop the hammer per reports and follow NY's lead.

[Brian Fein]

right cause heaven forbid someone should make money by providing something fun for millions of people to enjoy without the government getting a cut.

[Spider-Dan]

You must have a working knowledge of players and teams to be successful.

Its no more gambling than entering a video game tournament is gambling when there is a big cash prize.

I don't agree with that analogy, either.  In a video game tournament, your performance is tied to how well you personally play.

If fantasy sports are a "game of skill" because you have to have a knowledge of the players and teams, wouldn't betting on point spreads also be a "game of skill"?  Bettors with a superior knowledge of players and teams have an advantage there, too.

What about betting on horse racing?

[MikeO]

right cause heaven forbid someone should make money by providing something fun for millions of people to enjoy without the government getting a cut.

Your stance is silly Brian.  These daily fantasy leagues needs to be regulated the same way the stock market is regulated and why insider trading is illegal.

[Brian Fein]

Hookers could spread STD's
Drugs could get innocent people killed with DUI

What is the harm of fantasy games?  Someone might win a few bucks?

Bad analogy.

If fantasy sports are a "game of skill" because you have to have a knowledge of the players and teams, wouldn't betting on point spreads also be a "game of skill"?  Bettors with a superior knowledge of players and teams have an advantage there, too.

The spread is in place to make it more of a 50/50 shot - a game of chance.  Meanwhile, betting the spread is legal in Vegas.  Horse racing is LEGAL in lots of places.  But playing fantasy football is evil?  Not sure where you're going with this.

[MikeO]

What about betting on horse racing?

That's where this will end up eventually. These Daily Fantasy Leagues will end up being regulated similar to the way horse racing is via the states. It's parimutuel gambling/betting at the end of the day, that's all it is

[MikeO]

What is the harm of fantasy games?  Someone might win a few bucks?

What's the harm with insider trading on the stock market? That's all this is. Preventing insider trading!

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Horse racing is LEGAL in lots of places.  But playing fantasy football is evil?  Not sure where you're going with this.

Not claiming FF is evil.   Horse Racing is a good analogy where it is legal it is regulated to keep it fair.  I don't have a problem with FF.  When it is a sum zero game among friends such as yjff regulation is not needed.   But when corporate it needs to be overseen by gaming commission.

[Brian Fein]

That's funny because the headline I read didn't say "Judge declares daily fantasy sports regulated in New York"

[Phishfan]

That's funny because the headline I read didn't say "Judge declares daily fantasy sports regulated in New York"

It didn't say anything about a judge either. Settle down, this thing is still playing out.

[MikeO]

That's funny because the headline I read didn't say "Judge declares daily fantasy sports regulated in New York"

Jeez Brian, you can't see how this will play out. Now these draft website will hire an army of lawyers, fight this in court. And in a few years when its all settled they will be regulated in the states they need to be regulated in, which will probably be all states when all is said and done.