MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Legal Newsline) – Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange released a statement announcing that sports betting sites are illegal according to state law.
Strange’s office has reviewed state gambling laws and issues cease and desist letters to DraftKings and FanDuel. The websites have until May 1 to stop offering their daily paid contests in the state of Alabama.
“As attorney general, it is my duty to uphold Alabama law, including the laws against illegal gambling,” Strange said. “Daily fantasy sports operators claim that they operate legally under Alabama law. However, paid daily fantasy sports contests are in fact illegal gambling under Alabama law.”
Under Alabama state law, any gambling that involves a measure of change, even if there is some skill involved, is illegal when done in order to win a prize. While there is skill involved in setting a fantasy roster, ultimately contestants have no control over how players perform.