DraftKings, FanDuel agree to cease operations in Alabama

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2015 file photo, Len Don Diego, marketing manager for content at the DraftKings daily fantasy sports company, works at his station at the company's offices in Boston. Daily fantasy sports companies have said their industry remains viable despite a rocky start to 2016. ESPN and DraftKings ended an exclusive advertising deal, and FanDuel confirmed it was laying off 55 workers in its Orlando, Fla., office. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File) FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2015 file photo, Len Don Diego, marketing manager for content at the DraftKings daily fantasy sports company, works at his station at the company's offices in Boston. Daily fantasy sports companies have said their industry remains viable despite a rocky start to 2016. ESPN and DraftKings ended an exclusive advertising deal, and FanDuel confirmed it was laying off 55 workers in its Orlando, Fla., office. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)

By Associated Press April 29, 2016 1 min read

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama’s attorney general says online fantasy sports betting sites have each entered into a settlement to cease operations in the state in a few days.

Attorney General Luther Strange said in a statement Friday that DraftKings and FanDuel will cease operations effective May 2. Strange said his office issued the cease and desist letters to both in early April.

Strange says DraftKings and FanDuel agreed to block access from Alabama IP addresses to their contest websites. He also says both companies must process user requests from the state-based IP addresses to withdraw their account balances within seven business days of receiving such request.

Strange says Alabama and 11 other states have declared paid daily fantasy sports contest illegal.