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San Francisco Chronicle
04-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Daily fantasy sports betting is illegal in California, AG says
Gambling on sports events is illegal in California, except for betting on horses at racetracks. And gambling on fantasy sports games is just as illegal, Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday. 'Such games constitute wagering on sports' in violation of state laws dating back to 1909, Bonta said in a formal opinion issued by his office. While supporters have argued that fantasy sports gambling is a competition of skills, Bonta said, quoting a past judicial opinion, that it was 'simply a skill in betting.' The law defines illegal betting as 'promises to give money or money's worth upon the determination of an uncertain or unascertained event in a particular way,' the attorney general wrote, and that definition applies to fantasy contests as well as real-life sporting events. Assembly Member Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale (Los Angeles County), who had asked Bonta for his assessment, called the opinion 'very powerful' but said it would certainly be challenged in court by gambling advocates. It would also be 'very surprising if there's not some legislation' to legalize at least some types of fantasy sports betting, Lackey said. 'Clearly there's a lot of money involved.' He said he has no personal opinion on the issue. The opinion, if it withstands legal challenges, would clear the way for prosecutions, generally brought by local district attorneys. Last month the Coalition for Fantasy Sports, which includes popular platforms like PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy, told KCRA-TV in Sacramento that 'Californians have been playing daily fantasy sports games for more than a decade, and it is shocking to think that the state would suddenly take them away.' California is one of only 12 states that prohibit sports wagering. In 2022 the state's voters overwhelmingly rejected two ballot measures that would have legalized betting on a variety of sports at the 65 Native American tribal casinos in the state and at horse racetracks, and would have allowed online sports betting. Opposing sides spent a total of $460 million in their campaigns. Bonta said the Legislature made sports gambling illegal in 1909 'out of concern that horse-race wagering had resulted in addiction and financial ruin.' In 1933, the voters approved a state constitutional amendment allowing horse-race betting at racetracks, but did not legalize other types of sports wagering. The attorney general said gambling on fictitious sporting events is just as illegal as betting on actual contests under the 1909 law, which makes it a crime to participate in a 'contest … of skill, speed or power of endurance of person or animal, or between persons, animals or mechanical apparatus.' In one variety of sports fantasy gambling, known as 'pick 'em,' competitors pay an entry fee and then predict whether an athlete or team will achieve certain results. That constitutes sports gambling, Bonta said, because the competitors are betting on the result of a 'contest' of an athlete's skill, speed or power of endurance. He gave the same assessment to the other major category, 'draft-style' fantasy gambling, where participants assemble their own fictional teams and compete against one another. Operators of draft-style contests contend they are not sports gambling because the players are engaged in their own competition, separate from events on the field. But 'as with 'pick 'em,'' Bonta said, 'each player's financial success depends on the outcome of the underlying sports games.'
Los Angeles Times
17-06-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Opinion: Gambling is the ultimate money drain
The thrill of winning money captures us, but there's a smarter, safer, and more sustainable place to put your money – just not on a roulette wheel or fantasy sports app. I remember a friend, Jayson, who was a homeschooled senior who couldn't wait to turn 18, not to vote, but to hit the casino in Nevada. He worked long hours at a grocery outlet to save every paycheck for what he hoped would be a lucky streak. Many teenagers, like Jayson, get into gambling with the hopes of making a fortune without effort. At the same time, I see how games and products around us, like mystery Pokémon card packs and slot machine apps, glorify chance-based rewards. Flashy gambling advertisements target users with the promise of excitement and easy money. The line between gaming and gambling becomes blurred. However, we need to consider the full situation before deciding to invest so much money in it. What to fear Gambling isn't always just a game. Online betting apps like PrizePicks, DraftKings, and bet365 allow people to participate in sports betting anytime, anywhere. What begins as casual entertainment can quickly spiral. According to DSM-5 , gambling disorder is a recognized behavioral addiction, and it disproportionately affects people with lower incomes. The World Health Organization estimates that around 9% of people globally have experienced harm due to gambling . For people with severe gambling addiction, frequent usage can lead to irreparable harm to their lives. Money is a leading cause of divorce , and gambling addictions only exacerbate the issue. Consistent losses lead to an inability to pay bills, feed the family, or provide for children. An additional cause for concern is that these apps have little to no security measures to prevent youth from accessing them. Anyone with a bank account attached to their app store account can purchase tokens with few barriers. Many of my friends at school have gravitated toward the app PrizePicks, some using their parents' money without permission. In real life, casinos attract customers with flashy lights and promotions promising the idea of making it big. Casinos are designed to feel like mazes of opportunity, keeping you comfortable at any hour of the day. But make no mistake: the house always wins. Yes, there are exceptions, but the rule prevails most of the time. According to a paper in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, gambling games on computers have a positive effect on happiness. But fun shouldn't cost a future – nor a fortune. A better alternative There is a more thoughtful way to make money work for you. In The Little Book of Common Sense Investing , John Bogle talks about the power of long-term investments in index funds like the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Fidelity 500. Index funds are excellent for investing extra money we might have from part-time jobs, allowances, or even gifts. These index funds track the weighted average value of the stock market, so we get the gains of innovation without the risk of any individual company collapsing. In the book, he describes the failure of stock picking and how even investment experts have failed to reliably beat the market. He advises that, instead of stock picking, put all your money in the S&P 500 and hold it until retirement or a large down payment. The S&P 500 has generated an average inflation-adjusted return of 7.8% in the past two decades. So, if you put $100 into the S&P every month starting at age 15, you'll have contributed $62,400 by age 67, yet will have $750,000 in the investment account (adjusted for inflation). Meanwhile, 96% of gamblers don't break even, and especially don't realize any gains. So, while it may be fun to throw money at a slot machine or bet on your favorite soccer team, think about where that money could be better spent. Gambling thrives on impulsivity. Investing rewards patience. One drains your future. The other builds it. Choose wisely. Related
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PrizePicks Named Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner of Los Angeles Dodgers
Bringing Exciting New Fantasy Sports Experiences to Dodgers Fans LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, today announced that it has partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the team's Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner. The partnership features several digital and in-stadium activations at Dodger Stadium as PrizePicks continues to strengthen its brand presence in baseball. "Partnering with the Dodgers is an incredible opportunity to align with one of the most respected organizations in sports," said Mike Quigley, Chief Marketing Officer at PrizePicks. "As the Dodgers chase another championship title, we're looking forward to delivering unique moments that bring fans even closer to the action." As part of the multi-year partnership, PrizePicks will receive prominent in-venue branding at Dodger Stadium, including banner displays throughout the stadium's concourses and LED signage in the outfield pavilion. The partnership will also include promotion across Dodgers social media, digital platforms and radio. "We are pleased to welcome PrizePicks to our family of partners," said Lon Rosen, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Los Angeles Dodgers. "Their innovative approach to fan engagement aligns well with our commitment to delivering world-class experiences, and we look forward to a winning collaboration." Throughout the 2025 season, PrizePicks will also introduce an exclusive in-game promotion for Dodgers fans. Anytime the team scores 10 or more runs at home, the Dodgers will launch a PrizePicks branded social media contest for a chance to score a free PrizePicks lineup and tickets to a future game at Dodger Stadium to watch their picks play out live. As PrizePicks continues to expand to new markets, investment into responsible gaming remains a key focus. In 2025, PrizePicks was awarded iCAP accreditation by the NCPG for its responsible gaming practices and efforts, becoming the first and only fantasy sports operator to earn the certification. For more information, visit, About PrizePicksPrizePicks is the largest daily fantasy sports operator in the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, PrizePicks offers innovative skill-based fantasy games that engage and excite sports fans nationwide. Operating in 46 jurisdictions and continuing to expand, PrizePicks is dedicated to enhancing the sports experience for all. Download the PrizePicks app on iOS and Android. For more information, visit About Los Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with eight World Series championships and 25 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers, baseball's 2024 World Champions, have been recognized as ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year and are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience at Dodger Stadium, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history, and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world. Visit the Dodgers online at follow them on Twitter @Dodgers and like them on Facebook at For media information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PrizePicks Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Baylor official placed nearly 3,000 impermissible fantasy bets, 113 involving the school
WACO, Texas (AP) — A former Baylor athletic official has received a show-cause penalty from the NCAA after he placed nearly 3,000 impermissible daily fantasy bets on professional and college games over a five-year period, including 113 that involved Baylor teams and student-athletes. The NCAA says Sam Hancock, a former director of resource development at the Big 12 school, placed 2,950 impermissible bets totaling $45,979 on three different sports betting platforms from July 2019 through September 2024. Advertisement According to the NCAA case summary posted this month, Hancock acknowledged that he engaged in sports betting before his employment at Baylor and continued to do so after being hired, despite receiving rules education from the school and knowing that his conduct violated NCAA rules. NCAA rules that went into effect last October allow sports betting violations that do not compromise the integrity of collegiate contests and/or involve lack of institutional oversight to be processed at different levels for the involved individual and school. The case originated last August 31, when Baylor received notification that Hancock participated in impermissible sports betting activity through the daily fantasy betting website PrizePicks. The school self-reported the violations to NCAA enforcement staff after interviewing Hancock, who confirmed that he had placed impermissible bets. Under the show-cause order that goes through April 9, 2027, any NCAA institution employing Hancock would have to require him to seek and participate in gambling counseling, and attend the annual NCAA regional rules seminal at his own expense. He would also have to be suspended for two weeks during the first year of his employment within the show-case period, when he could not participate in any athletics activities. ___ AP sports:
Associated Press
24-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Former Baylor official placed nearly 3,000 impermissible fantasy bets, 113 involving the school
WACO, Texas (AP) — A former Baylor athletic official has received a show-cause penalty from the NCAA after he placed nearly 3,000 impermissible daily fantasy bets on professional and college games over a five-year period, including 113 that involved Baylor teams and student-athletes. The NCAA says Sam Hancock, a former director of resource development at the Big 12 school, placed 2,950 impermissible bets totaling $45,979 on three different sports betting platforms from July 2019 through September 2024. According to the NCAA case summary posted this month, Hancock acknowledged that he engaged in sports betting before his employment at Baylor and continued to do so after being hired, despite receiving rules education from the school and knowing that his conduct violated NCAA rules. NCAA rules that went into effect last October allow sports betting violations that do not compromise the integrity of collegiate contests and/or involve lack of institutional oversight to be processed at different levels for the involved individual and school. The case originated last August 31, when Baylor received notification that Hancock participated in impermissible sports betting activity through the daily fantasy betting website PrizePicks. The school self-reported the violations to NCAA enforcement staff after interviewing Hancock, who confirmed that he had placed impermissible bets. Under the show-cause order that goes through April 9, 2027, any NCAA institution employing Hancock would have to require him to seek and participate in gambling counseling, and attend the annual NCAA regional rules seminal at his own expense. He would also have to be suspended for two weeks during the first year of his employment within the show-case period, when he could not participate in any athletics activities. ___ AP sports:
