A lawsuit against FanDuel has drawn attention to a personalized video message the sportsbook arranged for a VIP customer from Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper. According to a recent report, the bettor, whose name is Terry Thompson, received the customized thank-you video after making significant wagers on the platform.
The personalized video featured Bryce Harper addressing Thompson by name and mentioning his young son. Harper thanked Thompson for his support and explained that he was recording the message at the request of Thompson’s FanDuel VIP host, who wanted to help make his Thanksgiving “extra special.” Although Harper was not wearing FanDuel apparel, the video reportedly displayed the company’s logo.
The report states that the video was one of several VIP benefits FanDuel provided to Thompson as he continued betting on the platform. According to reports, Thompson ultimately wagered approximately $18.5 million with FanDuel, earning VIP status before later filing a lawsuit alleging that the sportsbook encouraged his gambling addiction.
The reported details have drawn attention because the personalized message was allegedly sent after Thompson had already wagered millions of dollars on the platform. Rather than encouraging a reduction in play, the video is described as part of FanDuel’s VIP rewards program, which allegedly sought to strengthen its relationship with one of its highest-value customers.
The optics are particularly notable because the message featured Harper, one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable athletes, speaking directly to a Philadelphia-area bettor. Using a local sports star to entice a bettor to continue placing wagers is bad optics. FanDuel has denied the allegations made in Thompson’s lawsuit, and the claims have not been proven in court.
The allegations in Thompson’s lawsuit have renewed scrutiny of sportsbook VIP programs and the role they play in problem gambling. VIP customers typically receive perks such as personalized gifts, exclusive event invitations, dedicated account hosts, and other rewards designed to encourage continued engagement with the platform.
These programs are particularly concerning because they often target customers who have wagered substantial amounts of money. Often, these bettors have accrued major losses at the platform.
At the same time, many sportsbooks are known to restrict or limit consistently profitable bettors, meaning VIP status is frequently associated with high-volume recreational play rather than long-term winning customers.
Offering personalized incentives to users who are already betting heavily can reinforce problem gambling, directly conflicting with operators’ commitments to responsible gaming. It raises an important question on whether VIP programs should even be allowed.
The attention surrounding Harper’s appearance in the FanDuel VIP video also comes at a time when Major League Baseball is facing heightened scrutiny over gambling-related issues. The league has spent the past year dealing with multiple gambling investigations involving players.
Most notably, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were involved in a gambling scandal.
Against that backdrop, the use of one of MLB’s biggest stars in a personalized message promoting engagement with a sportsbook is likely to attract additional attention. Simply put, it’s a bad look.
