Bryce Harper Gambling Scandal: The City of Brotherly Predation?
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, one of the highest-paid players in baseball, reportedly helped FanDuel in its relationship with a man who says he developed a life-altering gambling addiction.
The Philadelphia Inquirer acquired a short video that FanDuel allegedly sent to Pennsylvania resident Terry Thompson in November 2024.
In the video, Harper is seen wishing Thompson a happy Thanksgiving holiday. The MLB star even mentioned Thompson’s son.
Neither Harper nor FanDuel has announced an official sponsorship or business relationship.
The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), on behalf of Thompson and another plaintiff, is suing FanDuel in Pennsylvania court for alleged unlawful conduct related to offering “unreasonably dangerous products that are intentionally designed to maximize addiction.”
The lawsuit filed in March claims that Thompson lost about $1,520,000 on FanDuel Sportsbook. The losses allegedly led to him considering suicide. He received psychiatric care in early 2026 and was diagnosed with gambling addiction.
According to allegations in the lawsuit, Thompson placed approximately $18,500,000 worth of wagers on the FanDuel Sportsbook App, almost all of which were “microbets” on NFL games.
Thompson rarely, if ever, bet on baseball, according to the lawsuit. MLB rules appear to prohibit active players from explicitly promoting betting on baseball.
The lawsuit doesn’t name Harper as a defendant. It also names DraftKings, the NFL, Genius Sports, and several VIP hosts.
FanDuel, Harper’s agent, and MLB all reportedly declined or did not respond to requests for comment.
For what it’s worth, Harper identifies as a Mormon, a faith that is well known for opposing gambling.
Harper image via Wikimedia commons.
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