Congressman wants names of NFL personnel who play DFS

New Jersey congressman Frank Pallone has asked FanDuel and DraftKings, two of the top daily fantasy sports sites, to disclose the names of NFL coaches, referees, training personnel, team staff and owners that have used the websites in the past year

New Jersey congressman Frank Pallone has asked FanDuel and DraftKings, two of the top daily fantasy sports sites, to disclose the names of NFL coaches, referees, training personnel, team staff and owners who have used the websites in the past year, reports David McCabe of The Hill.

Pallone sent letters to both FanDuel and DraftKings requesting the list of names as well as the total amount of entry fees and winnings for each individual on the list. In addition, Pallone wants the sites to reveal how they monitor which players have connections to the NFL.

Pallone’s intention is to ensure that the daily fantasy websites are upholding the rules that prevent individuals with insider information from winning more than $250 in prizes.

“The truth is that we do not know if these participants are being closely monitored because the industry is currently operating within a legal void,” Pallone said regarding the issue. “This, once again, reiterates exactly why we need a Congressional hearing to review these daily fantasy sites. We need more information on how these companies are functioning and how they relate to the sports leagues and the players who stand to profit.”

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DraftKings verified that it had received the letter and stated the company would work with “all relevant authorities” to show that it is operating in a fair manner. FanDuel has not commented on Pallone’s requests.

Both FanDuel and DraftKings are currently part of an ongoing investigation regarding whether daily fantasy sports employees have been using their access to lineup data to gain an unfair advantage over their competitors.

- Xandria James