
DraftKings, a prominent entity in the sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) landscape, has confirmed the formation of a new corporate Political Action Committee (PAC).
This move, recently formalized with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), aims to provide support to various state and federal candidates and organizations that have shown an interest in matters affecting the company’s operations.
A spokesperson for DraftKings highlighted the logic behind the creation of a political action committee, stating that the company’s core objective is to cultivate a leading, trustworthy, and player-centric environment.
However, the spokesperson specifically pointed to the recent tax increase imposed in Illinois as a challenge, noting that it “makes it harder to provide the best service to our players while it simultaneously incentivizes more players to wager in the unregulated, illegal market.”
DraftKings indicated that it is actively monitoring a range of policies across the nation, including the aforementioned tax adjustments in Illinois.
The company also suggested it may prioritize issues crucial to its business, such as efforts to expand the legal and regulated online betting market. As a technology firm operating within a dynamic and highly regulated industry, DraftKings emphasized its commitment to engaging constructively with policymakers at all government levels.
Furthermore, the company assured that its new PAC will operate in full adherence to all relevant federal and state campaign finance laws and reporting requirements.
This development occurs as DraftKings navigates various regulatory and legislative pressures throughout the United States, including escalating state tax rates, a slower pace of iGaming and sports betting expansion, and the potential for new federal legislation.