Legal Update

Judge Sets “Non-Moveable” December 21 Trial to Decide Legality of DraftKings’ California Operations

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone Number*

State of Residence*

How Can We Help?*

Select Case Type*

By clicking the SEND button and submitting this form, I consent to receive communications from Almeida Law Group LLC and their co-counsel by phone call, email, and/or SMS regarding this matter and other potential legal matters. I understand that message and data rates may apply and that consent to such contact is not required for use of these services. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt-out and HELP for help. I also agree to the Privacy Policy. I understand that my information may be shared with advertising partners to deliver targeted advertisements and optimize outreach efforts. I confirm that I am at least 18 years old. I have read and understand the disclaimer above. I agree my use of this site and the information provided here is not intended to create and does not create an attorney client relationship with the Almeida Law Group and/or attorneys employed by the Firm. No attorney client relationship is intended or created unless and until an engagement agreement is signed by all relevant parties. The contents of this site constitute attorney advertising and not legal advice; therefore you should not act or rely upon any information contained herein, and should always seek the advice of an attorney.

Overview

On August 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California set a nonmovable December 21, 2026 merits trial in Zhicheng Zhen et al. v. DraftKings Inc., Case No. 3:25-cv-04618-CRB, to determine whether DraftKings will be barred from continuing its daily fantasy sports operations in California.

Posted Date: 8/14/2026

August 14, 2026
San Francisco, California

The federal litigation against DraftKings—one of the largest daily fantasy sports providers in the country—has entered a decisive phase, with Judge Charles R. Breyer making clear that if DraftKings is “engaged in an unlawful practice, I don’t understand why the Court wouldn’t grant an injunction . . . prohibiting two things: One, on the lesser note, prohibiting misrepresentations. But, two, prohibiting the game itself. Because if the game is unlawful, the injunction would say you can’t play the game in California.” July 23, 2026 Tr. at 30:13-19.

Plaintiffs have pushed for a quick resolution of the case, and on August 14, 2026, the Court set a firm, non‑movable merits trial for December 21, 2026 to determine whether DraftKings will be prohibited from continuing its daily fantasy sports gambling operations in California.

DraftKings continues to operate in California, despite the Attorney General’s 2025 opinion concluding that daily fantasy sports violate California’s Penal Code.

“The Court’s message was unmistakable: this case will be decided on the merits, and it will be decided quickly,” said Wesley M. Griffith, California Managing Partner at the Almeida Law Group. “We look forward to vindicating our clients’ rights—and the rights of all Californians—at trial.”

The case is Zhicheng Zhen et al. v. DraftKings Inc. U.S. District Court, Northern District of California Case No. 3:25‑cv‑04618‑CRB. The operative Complaint is available here.

Plaintiffs are represented by Wesley M. Griffith and David McGee of the Almeida Law Group, Peter Silva, Kate Aizpuru, and Robert Devling of Tycko & Zavareei LLP, Brooks Cutter, Margot Cutter, and Charlie Stevens of Cutter Law P.C., and Jacksy Bilsborrow of Weitz & Luxenberg LLP.