Q&A: Joe Asher, CEO William Hill US
William Hill US chief exec Joe Asher says daily fantasy sports is gambling, and the industry needs to admit it
Q: Why do you believe daily fantasy sports should be known as daily fantasy sports betting?
A: Because it’s gambling! Daily fantasy sports betting (DFSB) meets the definition of gambling just as traditional sports betting is gambling. Really, daily fantasy sports betting is just a different form of sports betting.
Q:Â Why do you view DFS in the same light as sports betting? Do you not buy the âskill gameâ argument?
A: I accept that there is skill in daily fantasy sports betting. Many casino games have significant elements of skill, as well. Poker is widely accepted as a game having skill. Blackjack involves skill. Traditional sports betting like we offer in Nevada also has skill involved. But, they are all still forms of gambling and are regulated as such.
Q: Do you agree that FanDuel and DraftKings should have to apply for a sports betting license in Nevada?
A: Under Nevada law, daily fantasy sports betting clearly fits the definition of a âsports poolâ and therefore companies that wish to operate daily fantasy sports betting sites in Nevada, such as FanDuel and DraftKings must be licensed in the state just like any other gaming operator.
Q: Are there any similarities between season-long and daily fantasy sports? Or do you see them as totally different products?
A: They are very different products. Itâs like comparing the pee wee football league that plays in the park behind my house on weekends to the National Football League. There are some similarities, but there is no comparison.
Q: Should DFS be licensed and regulated in the same manner as sports betting? Why?
A: Companies that want to offer gambling such as daily fantasy sports betting in Nevada must be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Daily fantasy operators should apply for a license just like any other prospective gaming operator in the state, and just like both DraftKings and FanDuel have applied for gambling licenses in the United Kingdom.
Q: What do you make of DraftKingsâ UK gambling license? Do you see it as hypocrisy on their part to argue DFS is not gambling in the US?
A: Daily fantasy sports betting is gambling and operators should be properly licensed and regulated wherever they operate.
Q: What opportunities do you see for William Hill in the DFS sector?
A: We hope daily fantasy sports betting moves the conversation forward with regard to traditional sports betting.
Q: Would William Hill US consider working with DFS operators to launch a fantasy sports product? Or do you simply see DFS as a way of moving the needle in relation to sports betting?
A: At this point, we see it as moving the conversation forward.
Q: Will all the discussions around DFS help or hinder the legalization of sports betting in more US states?
A: I think it is helping move the conversation forward. Most people see it as gambling and betting on sports and rightly wonder why DFSB is ok and traditional sports betting is not. You can’t be intellectually honest and be for one and not the other.
Q: How long until we see widespread legal sports betting in the US? And how will William Hill capitalize on the opportunity?
A: One day sports betting will be legal throughout the United States, and William Hill is well positioned to participate when that day comes.