Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
FanDuel Used Bryce Harper Video to Target Bettor Who Wagered $18.5 Million
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 9

FanDuel Used Bryce Harper Video to Target Bettor Who Wagered $18.5 Million

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 9

Summary

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that FanDuel sent a personalized Bryce Harper Thanksgiving video to customer Terry Thompson, a problem gambler who wagered $18.5 million on the platform.
  • Thompson lost about $1.5 million, yet FanDuel allegedly kept him in its VIP program, with a manager sending the video and the company providing perks including champagne and Super Bowl tickets.
  • The video featured Harper greeting Thompson’s young son and thanking him for years of support, turning the Phillies star into a retention tool aimed at a vulnerable high-value bettor.
  • The report adds scrutiny to sportsbook partnerships with major sports leagues and players, raising questions about responsible-gaming claims and the use of athlete endorsements in gambling marketing.

Insights

Should star athletes like Bryce Harper be held accountable for participating in marketing that targets vulnerable gamblers?
Could MLB's partnerships with sportsbooks be fueling a hidden crisis of gambling addiction among fans and players alike?
With lawsuits and rising addiction rates, is it time for a major overhaul of how sports betting is regulated and promoted in the US?