FanDuel Ducks Harper, VIP Questions In Response To Congress
FanDuel responded to three members of Congress about its VIP program and the Bryce Harper controversy, but it avoided the specific lawsuit that partly prompted the inquiry.
In an Aug. 14 letter to Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Reps. Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee, FanDuel defended its “responsible gaming” model and said its VIP program operates under the same “safeguards” that apply to other customers.
FanDuel did not commit to end the VIP program, as requested by the members of Congress.
Dodging Harper Scandal
The FanDuel response never mentions Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper or former FanDuel VIP customer Terry Thompson, who is suing the company in Pennsylvania.
Congress sent its letter Aug. 10 after reports that a FanDuel VIP manager sent Thompson a personalized video from Harper in late 2024. Thompson allegedly wagered $18.5 million and lost more than $1.5 million while experiencing an addiction.
Harper has said he did not know the video’s purpose, which FanDuel allegedly acquired via the Cameo platform.
FanDuel Skips Some Questions
The lawmakers asked FanDuel eight questions, including how many VIP customers have tried to cut back or close their accounts but were instead offered perks, whether FanDuel targets promotions at bettors on losing streaks, and how often VIP managers have used personalized videos from athletes or celebrities.
FanDuel did not provide those figures or answer those questions directly.
The company did address other questions, including part of one question concerning how it identifies potentially problematic gambling behavior. The company said it monitors deposit and withdrawal histories, increases in wager size, canceled withdrawals, and customer statements suggesting distress.
It also said VIP managers receive responsible-gaming training and are salaried, with compensation not tied to customer wagering or gambling outcomes.
“FanDuel’s VIP program is designed to offer a small group of customers a higher level of customer service, not a different set of rules,” the company wrote. It added that one objective of the program is to keep VIP customers choosing FanDuel rather than competitors.
Tonko Responds
In a statement to Legal Sports Report, Tonko said he was not satisfied with FanDuel’s response.
“Unsurprisingly, FanDuel is using the broken ‘responsible gaming model’ to shield themselves from any possible wrongdoing and place the blame entirely on the consumer,” Tonko said. “FanDuel and other sportsbooks have proven themselves to be incapable and unwilling to protect their customers from this dangerous, addictive product.”
Tonko is a sponsor of the pending SAFE Bet Act.
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