Chad Lupinacci: Legalize Fantasy Sports

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci announced on Monday he will co-sponsor legislation that would once again legalize fantasy sports betting in New York State.

Huntington Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci announced on Monday he will co-sponsor legislation that would classify daily fantasy sports as a “game of skill,” which would once again legalize fantasy sports betting in New York State.

Assembly Bill 8588, drafted by Assemblyman Dean Murray (R – Medford), was introduced in the wake of New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s decision to send cease-and-desist letters to FanDuel and DraftKings, arguing the companies were engaged in illegal gambling because fantasy sports are a “game of chance.”

“I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that will bring daily fantasy sports back to New York State. We have several casinos, horse racing and off-track betting establishments and a state lottery, but suddenly the attorney general wants to outlaw fantasy sports. He is clearly picking a fight with the highly lucrative daily fantasy sports because New York State hasn’t found a way to tax them yet,” Lupinacci said. “Mr. Schneiderman should stop trying to nickel-and-dime DraftKings and FanDuel and end the bogus claims that daily fantasy sports are a ‘game of chance.’”

Considering the range of gambling options that are currently legal in New York State, the move to ban fantasy sports betting doesn’t make sense, the Assemblyman said.

 “The Attorney General should stop focusing on penalizing sports fans and begin cracking down on New York’s real issues,” Lupinacci said.