Can't Use Underdog Fantasy in Maine: Company Fined, Banned
Maine regulators have fined Underdog Fantasy $392K for what they say are violations of their fantasy sports regulations. A hearing on the fine is on the horizon, as reported by our friends at SBC.
The action is a massive blow to the Daily Fantasy Sports sector. Other states have also cracked down on the pick'em type offerings from Underdog Fantasy and similar sites that closely mirror those of sportsbook player prop parlays, Wyoming and Michigan among them.
Fantasy Underdog and PrizePicks advertise heavily nationally, often during sports events that are broadcast throughout Maine.
Milton Champion, Executive Director of the MGCU, spoke to Legal Sports Report about the ban.
“This is the first of its kind and is setting a precedent,” Champion told LSR. “It sets the tone going forward, but any other violations will be looked at separately.”
Fantasy Underdog has 30 days to appeal the decision.
“This is just an initial step in the administrative process, and we now have the opportunity to be heard by the state in the coming weeks and look forward to receiving a final decision that ultimately agrees with our interpretation of Maine law,” an Underdog spokesperson said Tuesday.
Underdog has vowed to fight regulators who claim their product violates state provisions.
Jessica Wellman of SBC writes: "The size of the $392K fine is noteworthy. Underdog told Maine they have made $1.4 million in revenue in the state all-time. To put the fine in that context, it is 28% of the company's GGR in the state."
Maine is expected to launch regulated sports gambling in November. The state’s four federally recognized Native American tribes can each partner with one mobile sportsbook operator. Temporary licenses are likely to be handed out over the next few weeks.
The news also comes as it was announced uber popular social casino Chumba Casino will be exiting Michigan after that state's Attorney General took action against the Golden Hearts charitable casino.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
