On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver explores the world of daily fantasy sports sites which claim they are not gambling enterprises, but they are awfully addictive and expensive – like gambling! As John Oliver points out, “fantasy sports combine everything dudes love, sports, money and a lack of commitment.” Add the convenience of playing on your phone, and you have a recipe for success – if you own the company. If you play the game – success may not be in your future.
In ads, Draft Kings and Fan Duel claim “Anyone Can Win!” In truth, only a little over one percent of those who play, do win, and it is the ultimate revenge of the nerds – or nerd, (there may be only one playing for all I know). While sofa jocks may have their illusions of glory, the ‘skills’ needed to win require dedication and a mastery of mathematics at a high level.
The CEO’s of the Draft Kings and Fan Duel claim their sites provide ‘entertainment’ which is definitely not gambling. Oddly, it is legally termed gambling in the UK, but in the US it’s still most definitely not gambling, but only by a technicality.
Late Night Tonight created some ads for the two fantasy sports giants which are much more honest and entertaining than those created by the ‘entertainment’ giants.