Fantasy sports lobbyist says games don’t qualify as gambling

Fantasy sports lobbyist says games don’t qualify as gambling

DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — Speaking before state regulators in the historic gambling town of Deadwood on Wednesday, a representative of daily fantasy sports operators under scrutiny nationwide said the industry wants to make it clear: The contests don’t constitute gambling under South Dakota law.

Lobbyist Griffin Finan told the state Commission on Gaming that fantasy sports is predominantly based on skill rather than chance, which makes it legal for players in South Dakota. Finan spoke for the Fantasy Sports Trade Association and DraftKings and FanDuel, two companies that are the target of the New York attorney general’s office.

“Winning or losing doesn’t come down to the spin of a wheel, the roll of the dice, or the turn of a card,” Finan said. “Despite superficial similarities, fantasy sports differ greatly from sports betting.”