DraftKings and FanDuel have averted disaster for now. Hours after one judge ordered the daily fantasy sports sites to cease operations in New York, both companies have been granted an emergency stay and will avoid the massive blow to business — at least until more judges weigh in. Following today's initial ruling, DraftKings immediately sought out a motion to stay the ruling, and appellate judge Paul Feinman sided with the fantasy sites.

That allows both to continue operating in the state through at least January 4th, according to ESPN, after which they'll continue the legal battle with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. FanDuel already ceased business in New York after an earlier ruling, and it's unclear whether the company will try to restore operations on the news of today's emergency stay. Schneiderman is adamant that the daily fantasy sports model, which lets users put together a roster of athletes and win or lose according to their real-world performance, constitutes gambling and violates state laws. DraftKings and FanDuel maintain that there's an element of skill involved since players pick their own fantasy team.