US lawmakers press FanDuel for details on personalized celebrity videos sent to VIP customers

Three members of the US Congress have renewed their scrutiny of FanDuel's VIP program, asking the operator to hand over personalized celebrity videos sent to customers and to explain how those customers were picked. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Paul Tonko and Rep. Valerie Foushee wrote to FanDuel CEO Christian Genetski on October 6.

The letter follows an earlier congressional inquiry into a video featuring Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper. That message was sent to FanDuel customer Terry Thompson, who has alleged in legal filings that he lost more than $1.5 million betting with the operator. Harper has previously said he did not realize his Cameo video would be used in a FanDuel VIP promotion.

In response to the first inquiry, FanDuel told lawmakers it had sent about 30 personalized videos featuring athletes and entertainers over the past two years. The company described them as a loyalty gesture for VIP customers. The lawmakers dispute the claim that such messages were not used to encourage continued betting, pointing to the circumstances around the Harper video, and say they are concerned that the perks could encourage vulnerable users to keep gambling.

The new letter asks for detailed information on each video, including how much each recipient had wagered before receiving it and whether they were winning or losing. It also asks whether any recipients had tried to suspend their accounts, stop notifications or set limits on their play. FanDuel is asked to explain why each customer was singled out for VIP status and what checks were made for signs of gambling harm or financial hardship. Lawmakers also want to know how much each celebrity understood about how their video would be used to promote the sportsbook.

Responsible gambling monitoring is another focus. The legislators want FanDuel to define the data and behavioral indicators it uses to spot potential problem gambling, and to say whether the same signals influence the distribution of videos, promotions, push notifications, retention offers or other VIP benefits. FanDuel has said its responsible gambling measures cover all customers, including VIPs, that VIP applicants undergo additional account checks, and that hosts are trained to recognize potential harm.

FanDuel has until October 20 to provide the requested information. The inquiry adds to the wider debate over whether sportsbook VIP programs can keep customer loyalty efforts distinct from inducements that may increase gambling.