DFSPA Looks to Protect Rights of 40m DFS Players in USA

Over the past few weeks, the daily fantasy sports industry has come under increasing attack from legislators, such as those in Nevada and New York, who have issued DraftKings and FanDuel with cease and desist letters, and ruled that any attempt to offer the game in their states without the appropriate licenses would be illegal. Similarly, a number of other states, including California, have also launched investigations of their own, with the call for regulation beginning to gain ground.
Just at a time when daily fantasy sports face the prospect of a Black-Friday type scenario like the one experienced by US online poker players in 2011, some members of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) have now mobilized in order to protect the rights of  more than 40 million fantasy sports players in the USA. As a result, Steve Miller (photo), the California State Director for the PPA, and Drew Lesofski, the former PPA Director of Grassroots and External Affairs, have now teamed up to form the Daily Fantasy Sports Players Alliance (DFSPA). Commenting on the newly formed organization, Miller explains:
“It’s a good fit to do right now because there is currently no representation for players and there’s no one looking out on their behalf. Players want fair play, transparency in their operations, and they want legislators to craft legislation that preserves the game and allows them to play.”
The move couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment, too, as in addition to the confusion that already exists over the legality of DFS in the US, rumors are circulating that the Department of Justice may soon impose a federal ban on the game, in much the same way as they did with online poker. It is therefore more important than ever that fantasy sports players rally behind the DFSPA, and allow it to speak with a “unified voice” representing all stakeholders in the industry. Elaborating on Drew Lesofski and his own suitability for the role, Steve Miller said:
“I recognized that we needed representation close to DC because there will be plenty of action there and Drew is very qualified to do it. I think he’s the perfect individual to handle the government relations side. I am an experienced cause advocate and social marketer. I have an intellectual curiously about the industry and where it’s going. We have seen what happened to the poker industry already.”