Daily Fake Sports (DFS) Gambling: Corruption and Cancer in Your Pocket
Veteran Actor Zack Ward and NHL Legend Bernie Nicholls Comment on $1 Million Insider Scandal
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sports Vote, a campaign by The New Sports Economy Institute (NSEI), published a detailed commentary and roundup on the growing scandals inside the DFS industry. The following is an excerpt:
The controversy started almost a year ago when Ethan Haskell, a DraftKings employee won $350,000 on FanDuel. Most of us know what happened after that, and if you do need some catching up, start here. The stakes have never been higher for DFS. Apparently, the same is true for its insiders. Not to be outdone by Mr. Haskell, a DraftKings contractor just won over $1 million as reported by DeadSpin. At this rate, DFS operators might as well reduce the compensation to zero for their employees and contractors, and tell them they will make their money through DFS.
"This stinks from top to bottom," said Zack Ward. "Again? Listen, this is not even about whether there is actually an impropriety. This is about intent. After all that happened, they are not even trying to make things right, let alone actually doing the right thing. Admit you are gambling. Clean up the house. At least try to appear that you care. But no. They continue to steal from people like you and me hiding behind this story or that story. There is always some stupid explanation for every corrupt act they do."
Most businesses would take any form of advertising, even if it is advertising on national TV in a high-profile debate. DFS operators had a golden opportunity for their shining moment when the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade decided to have a hearing around daily fantasy sports earlier this year (May 2016). It was a great opportunity to get more exposure and answer some questions the federal government had for DFS. No sane business would turn down what is essentially a once in a lifetime opportunity. Inexplicably, DFS operators did just that and skipped the meeting altogether, treating the Congress hearings like a casual gambler would treat the Sunday mega-million.
In the absence of DFS operators, Peter Schoenke, the Chairman of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association had to cover for them. However, when the hard questions started rolling in, it was Mr. Schoenke who started running for cover. He didn't have any answers (transcript, pp. 86-89), and the Congress promised to send in the questions later, in writing.
Then arrived the crickets. As far as we were aware, there was no mention whatsoever how DFS operators answered the questions or whether the questions even arrived at their intended destinations. Curious, the New Sports Economy Institute recently followed up with the Committee and was informed that there is no immediate plan to have another hearing dealing with the daily fantasy issue, and as of now, no questions have even been formulated. It was suggested that we call back after January 1, 2017 to see when and if a hearing is to be set.
"Simply unbelievable," says Bernie Nicholls. "Who doesn't show up to the biggest event in their life? Who sits out an opportunity to show what you are made of? Imagine a pro athlete taking off a championship game; that's the equivalent to what these DFS guys have done. In my profession, what do you think happens if I missed even a practice? As a pro athlete, you can't take a practice off, let alone a championship game. Win or lose, you owe it to your fans and your teammates to give 100% every day. I guess these guys don't care about the fans and with the smoke that is rolling out of their camp, I'd be surprised if they have any teammates left. Regardless of your view on DFS, as you may not even view DFS as gambling, you have got to understand that these people have been doing their best to sweep things under the rug. With that, they are obviously trying to hide something. There is no other explanation."
"I've said it before and I'll keep saying it until the message finally gets through. Daily Fake Sports Gambling isn't harmless. It is a deadly cancer. The operators are nothing short of criminal rackets… the crack dealer at the intersection of sports and money. If it isn't stopped by Federal action, it will take down sports and the broader economy with it. Mark my words. It will happen," says Chris Rabalais, co-founder and managing director of The New Sports Economy Institute.
Read the rest here: Daily Fake Sports (DFS) Gambling: Corruption and Cancer in Your Pocket
Contact Jason Henry – The Sports Vote Media Relations
iPhone (705) 772-7066 or Email
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160926/411665
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160926/411620
SOURCE The Sports Vote
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