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ESPN is cutting down on FanDuel and DraftKings ads after scandal erupts

If it seems like advertisements for daily fantasy sites DraftKings and FanDuel have been everywhere over the past month it’s because they have, including on branded ESPN segments that have appeared on various programs, like in fantasy football columns or during halftime on Monday Night Football.

The load of those incessant ads will be lightened somewhat it was announced Tuesday, as ESPN said that in the wake of the first (but almost certainly not last) scandal involving the sites, those sponsored segments on various network shows would be removed.

Website ads and television commercials are apparently still in play though, as you can see below.

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The two sites reportedly spent more than $150 million in the past three months on advertising alone and DraftKings, in particular, had promised to spend a half-billion on ads on ESPN and Fox Sports in “the next few years.”

Bob Ley made the announcement at the top of an Outside The Lines episode dealing with the fantasy scandal. He also mentioned that Disney, which owns ESPN, had an equity deal with DraftKings that recently turned into a 2-year, $500 million exclusive ad deal. Whether the company will still be around in two years, legislated out of existence or different than its current form is a mystery that will continue to unravel over the coming months.

ESPN did not immediately respond to FTW’s request for comment.

Update: Brent Schrotenboer of USA TODAY Sports reports DraftKings has now pulled its advertising from ESPN.

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