TLDR Dane Miller, 32, says he lost over $2 million on DraftKings after opening his account in 2020 DraftKings allegedly gave him VIP status, perks, and daily contact from a host even as his losses mounted Miller lost his job, drained his 401(k), and was hospitalized for suicidal thoughts in late 2024 The lawsuit accuses DraftKings of using algorithms designed to exploit emotionally vulnerable users Miller is seeking treble damages; Casino Queen is named as a co-defendant under Illinois law
An Illinois man is suing DraftKings, claiming the sports betting platform ignored signs of his gambling addiction and helped push him into financial and personal ruin.
Dane Miller, a 32-year-old from Illinois, filed the lawsuit in Chicago federal court. He says he lost more than $2 million in wagers after creating his DraftKings account in 2020.
Miller says the losses wiped out his wedding fund, cost him his job, and left him suicidal before he entered treatment.
VIP Perks While Losses Mounted
DraftKings gave Miller VIP status in May 2021, according to the complaint. The platform then offered him profit boosts, deposit matches, free bets, and tickets to live sports events.
A VIP host allegedly contacted Miller daily. Even after he drained his wedding savings, the host reportedly rewarded his “loyalty” with two suite tickets to a game at Soldier Field.
To keep gambling, Miller turned to credit card cash advances, personal loans, and his 401(k) retirement account.
In September 2024, his employer found out about his gambling and let him go. The following month, Miller wrote a suicide note and was hospitalized for severe suicidal thoughts.
Just two weeks before his hospitalization, DraftKings had allegedly sent him five separate $200 sportsbook credits.
After leaving the hospital on November 5, Miller relapsed almost immediately and reinstalled the