A FanDuel VIP customer with a severe gambling addiction received a custom video message from Bryce Harper, first baseman for the Phillies, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Terry Thompson, who placed bets totaling $18.5 million with FanDuel, losing $2 million in the process, alleges that the sportsbook intentionally exacerbated his addiction through its VIP program, providing him with extravagant benefits including trips to the Super Bowl and luxury champagne. This claim is part of a lawsuit filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute on Thompson’s behalf on March 24 in the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court.
As his gambling habits worsened, Thompson sold his finance business and took out multiple mortgages to support his addiction. In February 2026, he lost his remaining $10,000 on a parlay bet with DraftKings, as reported by The Inquirer.
Instead of confiding in his family about his financial troubles, Thompson contacted his therapist via text, expressing suicidal thoughts, which led to police intervention.
‘Happy Thanksgiving’
In November 2024, Thompson received a personalized video from Harper, viewed by The Inquirer, in which Harper spoke directly to Thompson, wishing him “a very special Thanksgiving.” The MLB player even inquired about Thompson’s son, noting that the message had been arranged by “your host Bryttanni at FanDuel.”
A source informed The New York Post on Thursday (July 9) that Harper is not linked to FanDuel and that the sportsbook collaborated with the content-creation platform Cameo, which allows users to request personalized messages from celebrities.
There is no implication that Harper was aware of Thompson’s struggles with addiction, and he is not mentioned in the lawsuit, which focuses solely on FanDuel’s VIP program and its treatment of high-value clients.
Complex Relationship
Until the late 2010s, MLB expressed concerns that the widespread legalization of sports betting could undermine the integrity of the game.
Today, however, it has established official partnerships with sportsbooks, allows betting advertisements during broadcasts and in stadiums, and has collective bargaining agreements permitting players to engage in promotional work for betting companies, provided they do not advocate wagering on baseball games.
This situation highlights ongoing concerns about the intersection of sports and gambling, raising questions about whether active players should be associated with the often-controversial VIP programs run by sportsbooks. When approached by The Inquirer, Harper opted not to comment on the issue.
In response to the situation, FanDuel issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to promoting responsible gaming and safeguarding its customers.
“Unlike illegal offshore sportsbooks, FanDuel staff are trained to identify and flag potential signs of problem gambling and provide supportive resources and tools. We continually review and enhance our policies to ensure we uphold the industry’s highest consumer protection standards,” the statement read.