Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Fine Line Exists Between Gambling and Fantasy Sports

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: March 20, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Many people in the U.S. that are trying to avoid violating sports law as it relates to gambling have turned to fantasy sports as an alternative.

The New York Times reports that while betting money on fantasy sports sites is protected under federal law as exemptions to online gambling, there is a fine line between them that is quickly becoming challenged in state courts. For example, two cases have already been brought to Illinois and New Jersey courtrooms as wagering companies began to change the rules of the game. Under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, wagering games in which winners are not determined by the outcome of a single game or player are exempted from gambling restrictions.

However, some companies are now offering betting and wagering on games that take place over a shorter period of time, the Times reports. Industry professionals argue that daily, weekly or monthly fantasy sports fall under a different realm that season-long sports. As a result, this may blur the lines between legal wagering and gambling.

“On the spectrum of legality to illegality, they’re getting pretty close to the line,” Ryan Rodenberg, an assistant professor of sports law at Florida State University, told the Times. “It’s tough to make an intellectually honest distinction between the two.”

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies post image

Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies

Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]

Author: Ken Hollenbeck

Link to post with title - "Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies"
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights post image

What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights

Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]

Author: Robert E. Levy

Link to post with title - "What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights"
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities post image

Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities"
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses post image

Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses

Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses"
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt? post image

When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?

New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]

Author: Charles H. Friedrich

Link to post with title - "When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?"
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026 post image

Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026

Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]

Author: Michael J. Willner

Link to post with title - "Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!