Lawmakers Seek FanDuel VIP Data After Harper Video Concern
Lawmakers seek FanDuel VIP program records after a Bryce Harper video raised questions about marketing to at-risk gamblers and customer safeguards. The post Lawmakers Seek FanDuel VIP Data After Harper Video Concern appeared first on ReadWrite .
Senator Richard Blumenthal is accusing online sportsbook FanDuel of targeting and exploiting problem gamblers, reigniting congressional scrutiny of the sportsbook’s customer protection practices. The accusation stems from a personalized video featuring baseball player Bryce Harper, which Blumenthal claims was used to engage a customer already struggling with gambling addiction.
Blumenthal’s concerns align with a broader congressional inquiry into FanDuel’s VIP program, where personalized messages and other benefits are used to engage high-value customers. Lawmakers have requested copies of about 30 personalized celebrity videos sent by FanDuel, along with details about who received them, how the customers were selected, and how customer-protection data informed promotional targeting.
The lawmakers believe the Harper video may have encouraged the at-risk customer to spend more. FanDuel has characterized personalized celebrity videos as a token of appreciation for customer loyalty, not an inducement to keep betting. The lawmakers have given FanDuel until October 20, 2026, to provide the requested material.
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