The New York State Senate late Friday approved a bill legalizing daily fantasy sports, capping a day of debate and negotiation in which the state Assembly also approved the legalization of daily fantasy by a 91-22 vote. The approval, now moving on to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his signature to become law, would allow DraftKings and FanDuel to resume activities in the state. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins: “This is going to be very influential. This is a really big stage, and many states are looking to New York.” State AG Eric Schneiderman still intends to pursue false advertising and consumer fraud claims against DraftKings and FanDuel.
Robins, meanwhile, downplayed recent industry rumors and reports regarding a potential merger with FanDuel. Robins said, as he has for more than a year, that a merger represents an “interesting” idea, particularly if it is beneficial for DraftKings shareholders, and that it has been discussed at various points with FanDuel. But he added there are currently not any particularly active talks. “I wouldn’t say anything is materially different now.”
