Jets Owner Woody Johnson: Daily Fantasy Sports Aren't Gambling

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson believes daily fantasy sports are not equivalent to gambling, he told Maria Bartiromo on the FOX Business Network.

“I don’t think it’s gambling, but that’s up to the Attorney General in New York,” Johnson said during an interview on “Mornings With Maria.”

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sent cease-and-desist letters to FanDuel and DraftKings last week in an effort to force the two largest daily-fantasy websites to shut down in New York. While both companies are fighting back, FanDuel decided to stop New York residents from entering any contests as the court battle continues. DraftKings said New Yorkers can continue to play.

On Thursday, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey proposed new regulations that would prohibit sports fans under 21 years old from playing. The rules would also ban ads on college campuses, among other measures.

DraftKings called the Massachusetts plan “a thoughtful and comprehensive approach,” adding that it will address some concerns during a 60-day comment period.

“We believe the process followed by AG Healey and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will ultimately result in a positive outcome for the millions of fantasy sports fans around the country who want to be able to enjoy DraftKings’ games in a fun, fair, and transparent environment,” the company said in a statement.

Johnson, the great-grandson of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) founder Robert Wood Johnson, said it remains to be seen how daily fantasy sports might change the future of football.

“It’s very popular, that’s for sure, and it’s good for the TV networks and all that. They’re doing so much advertising. But what affect it has on football, I’m not sure,” Johnson explained.