Time to move on?
Several daily fantasy sports pick’em operators intend to cease their operations in Florida by March 1.
The move comes after the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) sent out a second round of cease and desist letters to Betr, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy in January asking them to leave by the March deadline.
the Commission will not take further action”
The letter read that should those concerned comply with the cease and desist order within the timeframe “the Commission will not take further action.”
Speaking on the matter, a PrizePicks spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have reached a negotiated resolution with the FGCC to cease operating our current contests on March 1.” PrizePicks added that the order said that they were welcome to operate in Florida “in the future.”
Stamping out DFS operators
The FGCC first declared its stance toward DFS brands in September when it sent the three companies cease and desist letters.
offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from Florida residents”
According to FGCC Executive Director Louis Trombetta, Betr, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy had crossed the line into sports betting. Trombetta said that the Commission received information that the three may “be offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from Florida residents […] promoting and conducting an illegal lottery.”
Following the letters, the FGCC updated its FAQ page stating that all fantasy sports were “likely illegal.”
The Coalition for Fantasy Sports, a trade group representing the companies, said it is “committed to ensuring its member companies remain in the state and is actively engaging with Florida policymakers to protect the ability of fantasy sports fans to engage in the games of skill they enjoy.”
Monetary fine
PrizePicks’ removal from Florida comes shortly after it was ordered to pay $15m to the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) foroperating without a license.
violated the law for years
In a document signed by both sides, PrizePicks confirmed that it had violated the law for years. Equally important to note is that a spokesperson for the operator believed it “operated in New York in a good-faith belief that it had the ability to do so.”
The amount PrizePicks needs to pay back is based on the revenue generated from its contests from June 4, 2019, to December 19, 2023.