Share 
Federal lawmakers are examining FanDuel’s use of celebrity videos as VIP rewards after a personalized Bryce Harper message went to a bettor who had lost $1.5 million, according to their letter.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Reps. Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee asked the sportsbook to supply the recordings and explain how customers were chosen. They sent the request Oct. 6, with answers due Oct. 20.
FanDuel disclosed that it arranged roughly 30 videos from athletes and entertainers during the previous two years. It describes the messages as appreciation for customer loyalty and rejects the suggestion that they encouraged further wagering.
The lawmakers remain concerned that VIP rewards could exploit vulnerable bettors, particularly customers experiencing gambling addiction.
Lawmakers request records of losses and gambling restrictions
The letter to FanDuel seeks each recipient’s wagering totals and financial results before the video arrived. Lawmakers also asked whether recipients had tried to suspend their accounts, stop notifications, or place limits on their gambling.
They want FanDuel to explain VIP hosts’ selection decisions and the precautions taken to identify gambling problems or financial distress.
The request also examines whether player data collected to detect harmful gambling is used for promotional outreach, including videos and retention bonuses.
FanDuel was additionally asked to identify the services that supplied the recordings and explain what the celebrities understood about their gambling-related use.
FanDuel details account reviews and staff training
In its Sept. 24 reply, the operator described VIP service as a loyalty program for a small portion of its customer base.
Account managers are trained to escalate concerns about customers struggling to afford essentials, wanting to stop playing, or expressing thoughts of self-harm, according to the company.
FanDuel described automated screening and manual reviews that examine customer communications, time on the platform and changes in wagers, deposits, and withdrawals.
According to FanDuel, staff can guide customers who want to reduce their betting toward responsible gambling tools or arrange a review by its responsible gaming team. Following that review, the operator may temporarily suspend an account, limit deposits, or bar the customer from gambling on the platform.
FanDuel also said it does not offer incentives to counter a customer’s decision to reduce or stop gambling for responsible gaming reasons.
The operator plans to continue the VIP program.
Harper challenged the use of his video
Philadelphia Phillies star Harper recorded the message for Pennsylvania bettor Terry Thompson through Cameo, a service selling personalized celebrity greetings.
Harper said he was unaware the recording would become a FanDuel VIP promotion and denied any affiliation with the sportsbook.
Thompson’s lawsuit alleges that he received sporting-event tickets, hotel stays, and betting credits while his gambling problems and financial losses continued.
NJ players have statewide self-exclusion options
New Jersey residents can use the Division of Gaming Enforcement’s self-exclusion portal to restrict access to licensed online gambling.
A single application covers the state’s regulated online casinos and sportsbooks. Online applicants select a minimum exclusion term of one or five years.
The restriction remains in place after that term unless the player requests removal. Lifetime online exclusions require an in-person or video meeting with the DGE.
Operators can apply wider bans under their own policies, including restrictions at affiliated properties or platforms outside NJ.
People concerned about their own gambling or someone else’s can call 1-800-GAMBLER. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
