New Regulations Put on DFS in Massachusetts

Attorney General Maura Healey has put a series of new regulations on daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Massachusetts in an effort to protect Bay State consumers.

Massachusetts AG Healey is a known supporter of DFS and considers it a legal activity in the US state, but acknowledges that it is a form of gambling and so must be regulated by American gambling laws. As such, she has introduced a number of DFS in Massachusetts laws that will allow players to safely take part in DFS-related activities.

The new regulations enforce rules such as players having to be over 21 years of age, the banning of employees and contractors of the DFS industry from entering contests, and the prohibiting of DFS contests based on college football games.

Says Healey: “These regulations are a first-of-their-kind for the DFS industry, and they focus on protecting minors, ensuring truthful advertising, bringing more transparency to the industry, and leveling the playing field for all consumers. This is the first step, but an important step, as we continue to evaluate this new industry and make sure our laws keep up with these evolving technologies.”

New DFS in Massachusetts regulations have the approval of FanDuel, DraftKings

DFS has become a pressing subject with American lawmakers, with each state taking a different approach. New York has gone so far as to make participating in DFS illegal, to which industry kingpins FanDuel and DraftKings have been responding incredibly negatively. In opposition, they both have had a largely positive reaction to the changes in regulations regarding DFS in Massachusetts.

Says DraftKings of the US gambling news: “The Massachusetts Attorney General has taken a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to the fantasy sports industry. While we do have some concerns with the draft regulations, we intend to work closely with the Attorney General’s office to ensure we are operating in the best interest of our customers.”

FanDuel also issued a statement on the subject, saying: “Attorney General Healey’s approach towards regulating fantasy sports makes a tremendous amount of sense—it provides strong protections for consumers and allows sports fans to continue doing something they love. FanDuel believes that regulations which increase transparency and ensure contests are fair will benefit the entire fantasy industry.”