Congress meets to discuss daily fantasy sports

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A Congressional subcommittee will examine the daily fantasy sports industry during a Wednesday hearing in Washington, D.C. that could lead to further discussion on the sports betting laws in the United States.

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will hold a hearing titled “Daily Fantasy Sports: Issues and Perspectives” at 10:15 a.m., Wednesday at the Rayburn House Office Building. It is an informational hearing that will focus on the legal controversies surrounding daily fantasy sports, the key consumer protection issues and whether federal oversight is needed. A committee source and published statements from witnesses indicate a broader look at the prohibition of traditional sports betting and online gambling laws also will be part of the discussion.

A Congressional subcommittee is meeting to discuss daily fantasy sports and whether federal oversight is needed. AP Photo/Stephan Savoia

The two largest daily fantasy operators, FanDuel and DraftKings, and the professional sports leagues invested in them chose not to attend Wednesday’s hearing. FanDuel and DraftKings were sent official written invitations from the committee. Both elected not to send company officials and instead will allow the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) to represent them.

It’s not uncommon for companies to send trade associations as representation in initial Congressional hearings, but the absence of the leading DFS operators is notable. Just two months ago, FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles and DraftKings CEO Jason Robins testified in front of the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee, but they are not expected to be in attendance …

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