By John Dempsey, WLS News
(CHICAGO) Illinois’ Attorney General Lisa Madigan says daily fantasy sports betting is illegal gambling under Illinois law. Madigan has issued a legal opinion that says illegal gambling occurs when someone “plays a game of chance or skill for money.” She says that is what happens when fans bet money on fantasy sports websites like Fan Duel, or Draft King, and she says it is irrelevant whether luck or skill is involved.
Madigan’s opinion is merely advisory, and does not change Illinois law. In response, the State Lawmaker who sponsored the State’s first law to regulate fantasy sports betting, tells WLS that Madigan’s opinion is not a surprise.
Riverside Democrat Michael Zalewski says his bill would exempt fantasy sports from the Illinois ban on illegal gambling. He also says he does not think it would lead to taxing gambler’s winnings, saying “I’m against taxing these sites because I think politically, it’s a loser to tax fantasy football. I think there’s too many people that enjoy it, it’s done as a leisure activity, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to convince enough of my colleagues that taxing it is a good public policy decision, and have them face the wrath of their voters”
Zalewski also says his bill would also require the websites to ban gamblers who have become addicted to sports betting.
@ 2015 WLS NEWS
