Fans and employees protest AG ban on FanDuel and DraftKings

Fans and employees of fantasy gaming companies FanDuel and DraftKings lined the sidewalks outside of 120 Broadway early Friday morning to protest Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’sban on the companies taking bets.

More than 100 protesters lined the block starting at 8 a.m., chanting “Let us play!” and “Game of skill!”

Earlier this week, Schneiderman said the popular gaming sites were involved in illegal gambling and ordered them to stop accepting bets in New York state.

Schneiderman’s office started investigating the companies last month and, on Tuesday, sent a cease-and-desist letter calling the companies a “massive, multibillion-dollar scheme.”

“I think it’s somewhat arbitrary. I don’t think it’s a coincidence this is happening right now,” said Kelly Stockdale, who wore a New York Knicks jersey during the protest. “I think that right now we see a political conversation largely sparked by the growing of an industry that is somewhat competitive with casino industries.”

“It’s kind of sad. This is something that brings together families and players and employs a bunch of people around the country. In a day and age where we see so many industries shrinking, this is an opportunity for people to be engaged.”

“You look at New York – you have the lottery and horse racing, and you’re telling me what I’m doing with $10 on my fantasy lineup, that’s chance?” said Geoff Bough, senior director of business at FanDuel.

The companies estimate 500,000 daily players are in the state.

Schneiderman began investigating the companies after a DraftKings employee released betting data and won $350,000 on FanDuel, the New York Times reported.