DraftKings, FanDuel challenge Illinois AG ruling

DraftKings and FanDuel sued Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Thursday after she declared daily fantasy sports illegal in the state.

After Madigan ruled Wednesday that daily sports fantasy violates state gambling laws, the two companies argued that their games require skill and thus are permissible according to Illinois law. The suit seeks to stop Madigan from enforcing the decision and shutting out DraftKings and FanDuel in the state.

DraftKings requested a quick resolution that would allow fantasy sports to continue in Illinois.

Madigan's action "has set off a chain of events that -- if unchecked -- will unjustly destroy a legitimate industry," the DraftKings lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court in Chicago argued.

New York and Nevada previously issues rulings banning the online sites from operating in their states. Other states where fantasy sports are not allowed include Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada and Washington.

Madigan's office offered no comment on the suits by FanDuel and DraftKings.

"For now, we intend to continue offering play in Illinois until there has been a decision from a court on our lawsuit," FanDuel said in a statement.

Illinois is one of the largest markets for daily fantasy sports in the country. About 10 percent of DraftKings players are Illinois residents.