Fliff, a “sweepstakes” sportsbook operator that employs a model similar to that of social casinos, earned a legal victory this week in a California case.
Bishoy Nessim filed a lawsuit against Fliff in June alleging the company was illegally operating a sports betting platform in California. California resident Nessim was seeking $7 million in damages.
Nessim’s lawsuit has now been sent to arbitration by Judge Sunshine Suzanne Sykes. The decision is viewed as a legal win for the operator, as the case is closed in the courts and will move to third-party arbitration.
The California sports betting conundrum 5d126r
Nessim’s lawsuit comes during a time when still won’t have been legalized in the state by the time of the 2027 Super Bowl in Inglewood.
“Unless there is a Festivus miracle and sports betting gets ed in 2024, there is zero chance that sports betting will get ed before 2027,” Las Vegas-based consultant Brendan Bussmann told Sports Handle in December. “Even if it does get ed on the ’26 ballot, it won’t get implemented in time for the Super Bowl. And I don’t see a legislative solution where everybody is all kumbaya.”
Indian Gaming Association Conference Chairman Victor Rocha recently the initiative.
There’s a long way to go before California opens its arms to legal sportsbook operators.
That leaves sports bettors in the state using illegal offshore sportsbooks, legal (but not regulated) sports betting-related products like Fliff, or pick’em-style fantasy games offered by Underdog Fantasy.
Fliff customers can deposit money and receive “Fliff Cash” and “Fluff Coins,” with which they place bets. Fliff argues its platform doesn’t violate California law, as it’s a sweepstakes game rather than real-money sports betting.
Fliff partners with Mojo Fantasy 3jx1f
In addition to the recent legal victory, Fliff shared the news Friday that Mojo Fantasy is now a part of Fliff. Mojo Fantasy combines elements of sports betting and daily fantasy, with player props in the fantasy game viewed like stocks. They can be bought and sold during games, giving s a fantasy sports experience similar to day trading.
Fliff noted in the announcement that the fantasy app is “currently under construction while we develop a revamped product experience.”
Fliff promises to combine “the best of Mojo and Fliff” when the product relaunches. Any existing Mojo Fantasy customers can continue to use their same credentials during this interim period.
