How to (Still) Play Daily Fantasy Sports in NYC
I’ve been playing fantasy football (Premier League) for almost 10 years now. I’ve been playing NFL fantasy football and daily leagues for 2 years now. It’s a fun nightmare, good or bad. The beauty of daily leagues is no season long commitment, especially is you have a bad draft of a team riddled with injuries (like my poor InDennypolis Colts). Even when I flew high and won my league last year (thank you Bob’s Roethlisburgers!) I still loved playing daily with my family and friends who live far away. It’s silly but in a way FanDuel keeps me connected to those I don’t get to watch the games with anymore.
My collection of draft guides.
Fantasy sports couldn’t be more popular than right now. The League had 7 seasons and your Super Bowl MVP endorses Daily MVP. This is the pinnacle of prominence.
But a dark cloud feel in November, as New York’s Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman (hiss), took that ability away from me and hundreds of thousands of other New Yorkers. He considers it a form of gambling, which he doesn’t want in New York. So what is betting on the Belmont Stakes then?
FanDuel quickly responded, “The game has been played — legally — in New York for years and years, but after the Attorney General realized he could now get himself some press coverage, he decided a game that has been around for a long, long time is suddenly now not legal. We have operated openly and lawfully in New York for several years. The only thing that changed today is the Attorney
Trying to Access FanDuel from NYC
General’s mind.” FanDuel should take this personally as they chose to be headquartered in New York City with their now 200 employees. They are even partnered with the NFL (also headquartered in NYC), the New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills. But most daily leagues are supported by teams and the leagues of the top four sports. I mean the entirety of the MLB chose to work with Draft Kings.
Draft Kings, (based in Boston) ran into similar issues with Massachusetts’ Attorney General, but the state was able to settle on news rules: No advertising on college campuses, and no one under 21 can participate in games. Seems fair enough.
Hoboken Path Station – Image via Jeff D Lowe
So here’s what I’ve discovered while trying to set you my weekly game with my Eagles pal…my office is is NYC, so I can’t access FanDuel from there. I get home to lovely Hoboken, and BINGO! Access is granted. This is possible because each site is based on your current location not on where you reside.
As of today a New York judge ruled that all daily leagues must cease offering fantasy sports contests to the good folks of New York.
There’s reasonable solution for NYC residents who still want to participate and it’s totally legal. For $5.50 round trip, hop on the PATH train (20-30 minutes if traveling from
Hoboken Path Station – Image via Jeff D Lowe
33rd St) and head to New Jersey. Pop in any bar directly across the street from the station (there’s literally 10), grab an equally affordable beer, set your line-up, and watch the game.
FanDuel issued a statement this afternoon stating they intend to appeal the court’s ruling and see today’s decision as “a misunderstanding of our games, and, most disturbingly, a misconception about the fans.”
They further suggest to fight the ruling by voting. I have to say…if the Attorney General of New York chooses to use his time by fighting fantasy sports I’m not sure he’s using it wisely. Maybe it’s time to contact your local representatives and express your disappointment, both with the ruling and the actions of the Attorney General.
FanDuel goes on to further say, “This is our moment to make our voices heard…and together we will be too loud to ignore.”
A site has been set up to show your support and let the courts know fantasy should be for all: FantasyForAll.Com
Not matter what platform you use, fight the system by still playing. Join me on FanDuel here and be defiant by sticking it to the man.
UPDATED: As of 4:19 this afternoon a stay granted for DraftKings & FanDuel to continue to do business in NY as proceedings with the Attorney General continue.
