California AG Rob Bonta Vows Enforcement Action Against Daily Fantasy Sports Operators

A Public Declaration of Intent

Speaking publicly for the first time about his July 3 legal opinion, Bonta left no room for doubt about his intentions. “The next step is our enforcement, and laws are meant to be enforced,” he told KCRA 3.

When asked directly if he would take action against platforms that continue to operate in California, Bonta’s response was a simple, “Absolutely.”

The Attorney General’s comments confirm that his legal opinion was not just a theoretical exercise. It was a clear warning shot to an industry that has operated in a legal gray area in the state for years.

The Justification for Action

Bonta’s move marks a significant shift from his predecessors, Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra, who did not issue formal opinions on the legality of DFS despite requests.

Bonta explained that his action was a matter of legal obligation, not choice, as he was the first to receive a formal request for a legal opinion on the matter.

“It’s our duty, not our discretion, but we are mandated, we shall respond and provide an opinion as appropriately requested under the law,” Bonta said. “We must, and we did.” This positions his enforcement action as a fulfillment of his duties as the state’s top law enforcement officer.

An Industry in a Standoff

Despite Bonta’s clear stance, major DFS operators like PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, DraftKings, and FanDuel were all still accessible to California users following his announcement. The industry has remained largely silent, with FanDuel officially offering “no comment” on the situation.

California’s powerful gaming tribes have thrown their full support behind Bonta’s decision. Earlier this month, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) urged state leaders to back up the legal opinion “with strong enforcement and that lawbreakers be held to account.”