FanDuel is standing by its VIP customer program and responsible gaming policies after facing questions from several U.S. lawmakers regarding a personalized video message from Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper.
The issue centers on a video recorded for Terry Thompson, a FanDuel VIP customer who has previously alleged that sportsbooks encouraged harmful gambling behavior. The video drew attention from lawmakers who questioned whether professional athletes should be involved in promotions tied to sportsbook VIP programs.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Rep. Paul Tonko of New York, and Rep. Valerie Foushee of North Carolina contacted FanDuel, Major League Baseball, and the MLB Players Association about the incident. Their inquiries focused on the role athletes may play in promotional efforts connected to high-value sportsbook customers.
The concern intensified after Harper said he was unaware the personalized message was associated with a gambling-related promotion. Harper later stated that he would not have participated had he known the circumstances surrounding the request.
FanDuel responded by emphasizing that the company maintains strict responsible gaming standards across all customer segments, including users enrolled in its VIP program.
According to FanDuel, customers cannot simply sign up for its VIP program. The company said potential members must first pass screening reviews and be verified as active customers in good standing before receiving an invitation.
FanDuel also noted that VIP customers remain subject to the same responsible gaming requirements as all other users on its platform. The operator said additional safeguards exist within the VIP program, including oversight from compliance teams and specially trained account managers.
The company stressed that employees responsible for VIP relationships are salaried and are not compensated based on a customer’s wagering activity or betting outcomes. FanDuel said this structure is intended to remove incentives that could encourage excessive gambling behavior.
As part of its response, FanDuel highlighted the additional training required for employees who manage VIP accounts. The company said these staff members receive specialized responsible gaming education beyond the standard training provided to all employees.
FanDuel also pointed to behavioral monitoring systems designed to identify signs of potential gambling-related harm. The operator said these systems review customer activity and can trigger interventions ranging from educational outreach to account restrictions or permanent exclusion.
The company reiterated that anyone who identifies themselves as having a gambling problem is permanently excluded from FanDuel products. According to the operator, its policies prohibit attempts to encourage those customers to return to betting.
The discussion arrives as responsible gaming practices continue to receive increased scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and advocacy groups across the country. As legal sports betting expands, questions surrounding VIP programs and high-value customer treatment have become a recurring topic within the industry.
FanDuel said responsible gaming remains integrated throughout its business operations. The operator highlighted its Play with a Plan initiative and referenced investments by parent company Flutter Entertainment into responsible gaming programs and research.
The company also pointed to its membership in the Responsible Online Gaming Association, an industry organization focused on education, research, and player protection efforts.
While the Bryce Harper video prompted renewed questions about VIP marketing practices, FanDuel maintains that its program operates within established responsible gaming frameworks and regulatory requirements. The operator says it will continue working with lawmakers and regulators as discussions surrounding customer protections evolve across the U.S. sports betting market.
