Democratic leaders in Congress are urging FanDuel to terminate its VIP program following revelations that the sportsbook provided a personalized video from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper to a sports bettor struggling with gambling addiction.
Recently, The Philadelphia Inquirer revealed a video from November 2024, featuring Harper, where he addresses the gambling addict, expressing that his FanDuel host intended to make his “Thanksgiving extra special.” He specifically mentions the bettor and his son, concluding with gratitude for their ongoing support.
The individual who received the Harper video is said to have lost over $1.5 million wagering on FanDuel, depleting his family’s savings and taking out multiple mortgages on his home. Harper later explained that he was merely fulfilling a Cameo request and was unaware it would be associated with the sportsbook as a VIP reward. He is not connected to FanDuel.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) along with Representatives Paul Tonko (N.Y.) and Valerie Foushee (N.C.) are advocating for the closure of FanDuel’s VIP program amidst the Harper incident.
Lawmakers Demand FanDuel VIP Program Closure
Blumenthal and Tonko, both of whom have criticized legal sports betting and proposed legislation to establish federal regulations, along with Foushee, assert that FanDuel’s VIP offerings raise significant public health concerns.
“[FanDuel’s] VIP incentives are designed dangerously, distracting bettors, particularly those facing gambling addiction, from their financial losses and encouraging further gambling, especially when they are trying to quit. The essence of VIP programs is to foster ‘close’ relationships with clients, cultivating false friendships, and frequently inquiring about bettors’ personal lives to entice them to place bets,” the lawmakers stated in correspondence with Christian Genetski, CEO of FanDuel.
“FanDuel must cease utilizing irresponsible and unethical loyalty programs that lead bettors into debt and addiction,” the letter emphasized. “We firmly demand that FanDuel abolish its VIP program for bettors, especially those affected by gambling addiction.”
Blumenthal, Tonko, and Foushee posed several questions for Genetski, seeking clarification on how FanDuel determines whether a bettor is experiencing financial difficulties or gambling addiction before enticing them with loyalty rewards. They also requested an overview of how FanDuel manages customer interactions with VIP hosts.
Sportsbooks Assert No Duty of Care
The gambler who received the Harper video has filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania against both FanDuel and DraftKings, claiming that their VIP initiatives exploit consumers with gambling addictions.
In their motion to dismiss the lawsuit, FanDuel’s legal team asserted that the sportsbook has no legal obligation to prevent customers from wagering beyond their means.
“Courts nationwide have established that there is no duty of care to shield customers from their lawful betting activities, even if such activities are deemed compulsive,” FanDuel’s response stated.
The individual involved in the lawsuit claims to have wagered $18.5 million on FanDuel, ultimately losing approximately $1.5 million.