U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) has asked DraftKings and FanDuel to "provide a list" of NFL personnel who "used their services in the last year," according to David McCabe of THE HILL. Pallone in letters sent to the websites on Thursday "asked for the names of players, coaches, referees, training personnel and team staff and owners who had used the websites in the last year." He also asked them to "provide the total entry fees and winnings of each player." Pallone also asked the sites to "disclose how they track participants in their contests who may have links" to the leagues and the NCAA. The move "puts the focus on the NFL’s willingness, unique among the professional leagues, to allow staff members and players to participate in fantasy contests for the league’s own sport." League personnel are "not allowed to take home more than $250 in any given season." It also "highlights one of Pallone’s major concerns about daily fantasy: He contends that the fantasy websites facilitate gambling and calls professional sports leagues, which generally oppose gambling, hypocritical for partnering with the sites." Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) has said that it "seems likely the panel will hold a hearing on the industry at some point." McCabe noted the House Judiciary Committee is "also looking into the questions about DraftKings and FanDuel" (THEHILL.com, 10/22).
WHAT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN VEGAS: In Boston, Adams & Borchers report DraftKings and FanDuel "have been forced to cancel signature live fantasy sports events that were scheduled to take place in Las Vegas this December." The companies can "no longer hold their lavish tournaments" there after the Nevada Gaming Control Board ruled Oct. 15 that such contests "constitute gambling under that state’s laws." FanDuel said on its website that it is "looking for a new venue for its tournament." A DraftKings spokesperson said that its contest "will still take place, but would not say where" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/23).
