While the legal opinion of the office of the Attorney General about fantasy sports was released last July 3, it is only now that it is taking action against DFS operators. Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced that action is on the horizon for online fantasy sports platforms after the platforms were said to be violating state law.

The Attorney General of California, Rob Bonta, has made it clear this week that enforcement action is imminent against online fantasy sports platforms that continue to run in the state despite being declared illegal. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Bonta stated, "The next step is our enforcement, and laws are meant to be enforced," in response to questions.

His comments follow a legal opinion released on the 3rd of July, in which Bonta determined that daily fantasy sports platforms violate California law because they constitute a form of sports betting - an activity that remains illegal in the state.

Legal opinion marks a first for the state

This is the first time a California attorney general has formally responded to a request for an opinion on the legality of DFS platforms. In contrast, previous attorneys general, including Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra, declined to weigh in despite pressure from lawmakers and tribal gaming interests. Bonta explained that he responded to the request because the law requires him to do so once it is formally submitted. "It's our duty, not our discretion, but we are mandated, we shall respond and provide an opinion as appropriately requested under the law," said Bonta. "We must, and we did."

Bay Area Assemblyman Marc Levine originally pushed for action as far back as 2015, urging Harris to investigate and shut down sports betting websites. It wasn't until this year, under Bonta's tenure, that the state issued a definitive legal position.

Popular fantasy platforms still operating in the state

Despite the attorney general's legal opinion, several major daily fantasy sports sites were still accessible to Californians as of Tuesday. These include Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks - two of the most popular platforms in the country. Neither company has issued a public statement in response to Bonta's announcement, nor has the broader Coalition for Fantasy Sports, which represents their interests.

Additionally, DraftKings and FanDuel, which operate independently from the coalition but also offer DFS games, continue to list California as a legal jurisdiction on their websites.

Tribal groups urge action, back Bonta financially

Tribal gaming organizations have been vocal in their support of enforcing California;s gambling laws, particularly when it comes to curbing unlicensed digital sports betting platforms. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, a powerful voice in state gambling policy, issued a call earlier this month for immediate enforcement following Bonta's legal opinion.

Financial disclosures show that CNIGA's member tribes have been consistent political supporters of Bonta, contributing a total of $334,700 to his campaigns over the years. This includes donations from his time in the State Assembly starting in 2014 through his current role as Attorney General. For his 2026 reelection campaign, Bonta has already received $71,800 from several gaming tribes. In contrast, online fantasy sports companies have made no political contributions to Bonta.

2026 election looms as Bonta takes a stand

With an eye on reelection in 2026, Bonta's firm stand against unlicensed sports betting platforms may resonate with influential tribal interests and voters concerned with regulating online gambling. His office now faces the challenge of enforcing his legal opinion in a digital marketplace where platforms continue to operate freely, at least for now.

When asked directly whether he would pursue those companies still offering services in California, Bonta's answer was unequivocal: "Absolutely." The coming weeks may reveal just how aggressive the attorney general's office will be in taking legal or regulatory steps to shut down these platforms.