While mobile sports wagering is alive and well in the state of New York, the fate of fantasy sports betting is a bit murkier, and it's fate will be decided in a Court of Appeals in Albany, New York.

Get our free mobile app

Legal Fantasy Sports Wagering is Currently in a Court of Appeals

According to a report from Courthouse News, the fate of fantasy sports betting lies in the hands of the New York Court of Appeals, which heard an appeal to its legalization on Tuesday.

Online Fantasy Sports Sites, FanDuel And DraftKings, Under Scrutiny Of Government
Getty Images
loading...

The state of New York has had a tumultuous relationship with fantasy sports betting. Fantasy sports were legalized in 2016 in the state, but an anti-gambling group filed a lawsuit claiming that the law was unconstitutional.

Thus, a string of appeals began, after an appellate court ruled the following:

"In 2020, an appellate court ruled 4-1 that the fantasy sports betting law was unconstitutional since chance played a material part in the activity." - Nick Rummell, Courthouse News

The state took the case to the Court of Appeals in October, and as of February, that is still where the case sits. One judge recused himself from the case, another reached mandatory retirement during the middle of it, and when all was said and done, the six remaining judges were split on their decision.

Online Fantasy Sports Sites, FanDuel And DraftKings, Under Scrutiny Of Government
Getty Images
loading...

The second appeal against this decision was filed, and heard, on Tuesday of this week. This time around, there is an odd number of justices hearing the case. So, we should have a decision one way or another on the fate of fantasy sports betting.


Mobile Sports Wagering Has Started with a Boom in New York

While the legality of fantasy sports in New York hangs in the balance, the prosperity of mobile sports wagering is unquestionable.

The New York Post reported that mobile sportsbooks in the state handled a total of $1.62 billion in bets during the month of January, blowing past the totals of the next closest states, Nevada and New Jersey. In total, those books made $113 million in total revenue. With the Super Bowl and March Madness on the horizon, one has to imagine that these totals are going to increase, before they decrease.

Online Fantasy Sports Sites, FanDuel And DraftKings, Under Scrutiny Of Government
Getty Images
loading...

While fantasy sports betting is still a revenue generator, there are elements of chance that differentiate it from traditional sports wagering. Because of that, it's fate is a bit shaky, and the Court of Appeals in Albany will likely reach a conclusion soon.

Ten Times New York Football Teams Played for the Super Bowl

The Giants, Jets and Bills have all made it to the NFL's highest peak, but not every team was good enough to win. Here are ten times NY teams played for the Super Bowl.

Ten Capital Region Sports Stories Every New Sports Fan Should Know

After months of reading and talking, I now consider myself a Capital Region sports fan. I learned these ten stories along the way, and want you to learn them now.

The 25 Most-Searched Topics on Google in the Capital Region in 2021

Have a problem? Need an answer? Just Google it! Here are the top 25 most searched topics on Google in the Capital Region this year.

More From HOT 99.1