FanCruel: Sportsbook Offers Zoo Halloween Perks To VIPs, Kids
FanDuel Sportsbook is facing criticism for reportedly offering VIP gamblers a family outing at the Philadelphia Zoo, after DraftKings’ controversial recent sponsorship of the State Fair of Texas.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that FanDuel recently extended a VIP perk to some users, letting them take their kids to the local zoo for the annual Halloween-themed “Boo at the Zoo.”
Family Friendly?
The Inquirer said it obtained a digital flyer that mentioned “family entertainment” and “VIP treatment for all ages.”
From the report by journalists David Gambacorta and William Bender:
“A digital flyer for the event, obtained by The Inquirer, shows that the perk also includes complimentary parking passes, and lunch and snacks at the zoo’s Garden Pavilion for the sportsbook’s VIP customers and up to three guests. The flyer notes that FanDuel will have a registration table near the zoo’s entrance.”
FanDuel said in a statement that it “is not a sponsor of ‘Boo at the Zoo’ and there is no FanDuel branding on site.”
The company added that it “has played no role in the planning or execution of this event and purchased tickets through normal channels to give customers the option of attending.”
The report stated that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is looking into the “Boo at the Zoo” betting perk.
Mounting Pressure
Other controversial incidents include FanDuel’s Bryce Harper video sent to a VIP customer and its “Pass the Leg” parlay promotion aimed at families sharing a Thanksgiving meal. FanDuel and the Carolina Panthers also raised eyebrows with the NFL franchise encouraging users to bet on an over/under.
The public health issue is the normalization of online sports betting and the potential building of brand loyalty among people not old enough to bet, especially young children. Still, some public health advocates argue that online sports betting products, as they exist now, are fundamentally dangerous for many people.
Pennsylvania policymakers are set to soon look at ways to address the state’s sports gambling problem.
Image via Philadelphia Zoo
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