The already popular online game fantasy football has grown in recent years, with an estimated 56 million playing this season. With this increase in players has also come an increase in scrutiny. DraftKings and FanDuel were recently investigated after one employee won big, possibly with insider information. As a result, New York has now declared fantasy football illegal gambling and shut the games down.
Fans disagree with these regulations, arguing that fantasy sports require skill, knowledge of the players, and strategy. Others say the game is simply based on luck. According to New York Times reporter Walt Bogdanich, fantasy football can be compared to poker: the game includes some skill, but luck decides the outcome.
States seem just as divided as fans on whether or not to follow New York's example. While state regulation of games is largely unpopular, Bogdanich points out that it is an important step for consumer protection.
What does this mean for players in Texas? Could regulations come to football country?
Guests:
- Walt Bogdanich, The New York Times investigative reporter
- Pegg Fikac, Austin bureau chief of the San Antonio Express-News