Three Democratic lawmakers have reopened their investigation into the operation of FanDuel’s invite-only VIP program due to the sportsbook’s insufficient response to their previous questions.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) are seeking more detailed information on how FanDuel manages its VIP program and motivates bettors who are part of it.
We write regarding FanDuel’s failure to substantively answer our Congressional inquiry, and its misleading and incomplete responses regarding its exploitative VIP services and perks. We remain unconvinced that FanDuel is making an active effort to protect bettors from harmful gambling and instead appears to be promoting addiction,” the Democrats wrote in a letter dated Sept. 3.
This investigation stems from an incident where FanDuel sent a VIP customer a personalized video message from Bryce Harper, a Philadelphia Phillies player, in 2024. The customer, from Pennsylvania, claims he lost over $1.5 million through the mobile app and has filed a lawsuit against the sportsbook.
Unanswered Questions
Last month, Blumenthal, Tonko, and Foushee requested answers from FanDuel and suggested the suspension of its VIP program. Cory Fox, FanDuel’s senior VP of public policy and sustainability, responded by emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency and responsible operation.
However, Fox provided limited details about the VIP program, stating that compensation for VIP hosts is not linked to customer wagering. He mentioned that hosts actively engage high-volume clients in discussions about responsible gaming tools.
The response from Fox was deemed inadequate by the lawmakers, who believe FanDuel should be transparent about its interaction with VIPs.
FanDuel fails to demonstrate any commitment to its customers’ well-being through any meaningful limitations on exploitative and dangerous marketing and business practices,” the letter said. “If FanDuel truly cared about its customers, it would be transparent to Congress about its business practices and put an end to these exploitative tactics.”
The Democratic representatives posed eight questions to FanDuel, including whether the company plans to suspend or terminate its VIP program. They also want clarification on whether VIP hosts are trained to form personal relationships with clients to encourage more gambling.
Harper a Victim
Bryce Harper denied knowledge of participating in FanDuel’s VIP scheme, stating that he only completed a Cameo request for a fan. Harper expressed his disappointment in FanDuel using the video for commercial purposes without his consent.
Harper explained, “The request included a short script. I read it in good faith. FanDuel then put its own logo on the video and used it as a gambling promotion. I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it. Had I known FanDuel’s true intent, I would not have made the video.”