TLDR FanDuel sent a letter to three members of Congress defending its VIP program. The letter follows concerns raised after a Bryce Harper Cameo video was sent to a gambling addict. FanDuel says VIP hosts are salaried and are not paid based on customer wins or losses. Parent company Flutter spent $158 million last year on responsible gambling efforts, according to the letter. Terry Thompson, who wagered $18.5 million with FanDuel, is suing the company over alleged predatory practices.
FanDuel has sent a letter to three members of Congress defending its VIP program. The letter was addressed to Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Representative Paul Tonko of New York, and Representative Valerie Foushee of North Carolina.
The lawmakers had raised concerns after a video surfaced showing baseball star Bryce Harper sending a personal message through Cameo. The message was directed at Terry Thompson, a man who has struggled with gambling addiction.
In the video, Harper told Thompson the message came from “your host Bryttanni from FanDuel.” Harper later said he did not know the video was meant for someone dealing with addiction.
How FanDuel Says It Protects VIP Customers
FanDuel told lawmakers that its VIP program follows the same responsible gaming rules as the rest of its platform. The company said these standards are set by regulators in the 26 states where FanDuel is licensed.
The sportsbook said VIP account managers are paid a salary. They are not paid based on whether customers win or lose money.
FanDuel also said VIP staff go through training to spot signs of problem gambling. The company said refresher training happens every quarter as new tools become available.
“FanDuel shares your interest in customer protection and responsible gaming,” the company wrote in its letter, according to Covers. The letter added that