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Federal lawmakers are asking FanDuel to provide copies of personalized celebrity videos sent to VIP bettors after a message featuring Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper went to a customer who, according to the lawmakers, had lost $1.5 million on the platform.
In an Oct. 6 letter, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Reps. Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee asked FanDuel to explain how it selected recipients and checked for signs of gambling harm. They requested answers by Oct. 20.
FanDuel acknowledged sending approximately 30 videos featuring athletes and entertainers over two years. It says the messages rewarded customer loyalty and denies using them to encourage continued gambling.
Harper video previously drew Pennsylvania regulators’ attention
PlayPennsylvania reported in July that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was reviewing the Harper video sent to bettor Terry Thompson.
Thompson’s lawsuit alleges that he continued receiving VIP perks while experiencing gambling harm. Those allegations include offers of tickets, hotel accommodations, and betting credits as his losses mounted.
Harper said he recorded the message through Cameo, a service that sells personalized celebrity videos, but did not know it would be used for a FanDuel VIP promotion. He also said he had no affiliation with the sportsbook.
Lawmakers ask whether recipients had tried to limit gambling
The Oct. 6 letter asks for the following information about each recipient:
- How much the customer had wagered and won or lost before receiving the video.
- Whether the customer had requested an account suspension, a pause in notifications or other gambling limits.
- Why the VIP host selected that customer.
- What checks the host made for gambling problems, significant losses or financial hardship.
They also asked how much the celebrities knew about the videos’ connection to gambling.
The lawmakers also want to know whether FanDuel uses the same customer information to identify gambling harm and select bettors for videos, notifications, retention bonuses, or other perks.
FanDuel outlines training and safeguards for VIP customers
In its Sept. 24 response, FanDuel described its VIP program as serving a small share of customers, with extra customer service intended to encourage loyalty.
According to the company, VIP account managers are trained to recognize warning signs and refer concerns for further review. Those signs include customers saying they cannot afford necessities, want to stop gambling, or are at risk of self-harm.
The response also describes reviews of changes in betting, deposits and withdrawals, along with customers’ language and time spent on the platform, to identify potentially harmful play.
For customers who want to cut back, FanDuel said staff help them use responsible gambling tools or refer their accounts to its responsible gaming team. Possible interventions include a suspension, a deposit limit imposed by the operator, or a complete ban from the platform.
The company also said it has no plans to suspend or end the VIP program.
Pennsylvania players can restrict gambling and promotional contact
Pennsylvania residents who want to stop online gambling can enroll in the state’s voluntary iGaming self-exclusion program.
Pennsylvania-licensed online sportsbooks must refuse wagers from self-excluded players and stop sending them targeted gambling promotions. Enrollment also prohibits players from accepting complimentary gifts and services.
Separate self-exclusion programs cover other gambling activities, so an online exclusion does not automatically apply to every Pennsylvania venue.
For help with their own gambling or a loved one’s, residents can call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM. Pennsylvania’s gambling helpline is free, confidential, and available around the clock.
