Democrats Demand FanDuel Shut Down VIP Program Following Bryce Harper Controversy

Congressional Democrats are demanding FanDuel close its VIP program after it was revealed that the sportsbook sent an addicted sports bettor a personalized video from Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper to keep the customer gambling.

Last month, The Philadelphia Inquirer exposed the Harper video from November 2024, in which the Major League Baseball superstar tells the gambling addict that his FanDuel host wanted to make sure his “Thanksgiving was extra special.” Harper mentions the bettor and his son by name, and concludes by saying he “appreciates all the support through the years.”

The recipient of the Harper video reportedly lost more than $1.5 million betting on FanDuel, gambling away much of his family’s savings and taking out several mortgages on his home. Harper later said he was simply fulfilling a Cameo request and had no idea it would be branded by the sportsbook and was purchased as a VIP reward. Harper has no affiliation with the sportsbook.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) and Reps. Paul Tonko (N.Y.) and Valerie Foushee (N.C.), all Democrats, are requesting that FanDuel shutter its VIP program following the Harper controversy.

Democrats Call for FanDuel VIP End

Blumenthal and Tonko, two critics of legal sports betting who have filed legislation in Congress to implement federal guardrails on the industry, along with Foushee, believe FanDuel’s incentive program for high-volume bettors poses public concerns.

“[FanDuel’s] VIP perks are dangerously designed to distract bettors, including those struggling with a gambling addiction, from their financial losses and entice further destructive gambling—especially when they are attempting to quit. The very nature of VIP programs is to develop ‘close’ relationships with their clients over time, fostering false friendships, and frequently asking about bettors’ personal lives to make them more willing to place bets,” the Democrats wrote to Christian Genetski, FanDuel CEO.

“FanDuel should not be using reckless and unscrupulous loyalty programs to drive bettors into debt and addiction,” the letter continued. “As such, we strongly demand FanDuel end its VIP program for bettors, especially those suffering from a gambling addiction, on its platform.”

Blumenthal, Tonko, and Foushee listed a series of questions for Genetski to answer, including how FanDuel ensures that a bettor is not suffering from a financial hardship or gambling addiction before being enticed with a loyalty offering. The lawmakers also want insights on how FanDuel monitors customer interactions with VIP hosts.

Sportsbooks Claim No Duty of Care

The gambling addict who received the Harper video has since filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania against FanDuel and DraftKings, another sportsbook he used, on allegations that they use VIP programs to target and exploit consumers with gambling addictions.

In the sportsbooks’ motion for the court to dismiss the complaint, FanDuel lawyers said the sportsbook has no legal responsibility to protect customers from gambling more than they can afford to lose.

“Courts around the country, including courts that sit in this Commonwealth, have held that there is no duty of care to protect customers from their own lawful wagering, even where such wagering is alleged to be compulsive,” read FanDuel’s response.

The addict’s complaint alleges he bet $18.5 million on FanDuel, losing about $1.5 million.