Sen. Richard Blumenthal is demanding that FanDuel turn over personalized celebrity videos sent to VIP users, questioning whether the sportsbook used those messages to encourage vulnerable bettors to keep gambling. Earlier this week, Sen. Blumenthal challenged FanDuel’s explanation that the videos were simply gestures of appreciation for loyal users. The Connecticut senator also wants more information about how the company’s VIP program interacts with bettors who may be experiencing problem gambling. Blumenthal, along with Reps. Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee, addressed this in a letter to FanDuel CEO Christian Genetski, requesting additional information by October 20.
The latest request follows FanDuel’s September 24 response to an earlier congressional inquiry into its VIP program.
In that response, FanDuel acknowledged sending approximately 30 personalized videos featuring athletes and entertainers to users over the past two years. However, FanDuel maintained that the messages were intended to thank loyal bettors rather than encourage them to place additional wagers.
Sen. Blumenthal isn’t satisfied with that explanation. He wants FanDuel to provide copies of the videos so lawmakers can examine how they were used and who received them.
The senator is particularly concerned about whether customers with substantial gambling losses are being rewarded with personalized perks that could encourage them to remain active on the platform.
The October 6 letter outlines several questions FanDuel must answer about its VIP program.
For every personalized video, lawmakers want to know how much the recipient had wagered, how much they had won or lost, and why they were selected to receive the message. They also want records showing whether those customers previously requested account restrictions or took other steps to limit their gambling.
Another concern is how VIP hosts evaluate users before offering special perks. Lawmakers want to know what safeguards exist to prevent employees from rewarding bettors who may be dealing with problem gambling.
The congressional inquiry stems from a controversy involving Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper and a personalized video sent to a FanDuel customer.
The video was reportedly obtained through Cameo and sent to a bettor who had allegedly lost approximately $1.5 million gambling on FanDuel. The incident became part of a lawsuit involving Harper’s video, with the user accusing FanDuel and DraftKings of encouraging excessive gambling through their VIP programs.
Harper has maintained that he didn’t know the video would be connected to a sportsbook promotion.
FanDuel has already defended its VIP program, maintaining that its celebrity messages were intended to recognize customers rather than encourage further betting.
The company also told lawmakers that it monitors customer behavior through automated systems and manual reviews to identify signs of problem gambling.
However, Blumenthal and the other lawmakers believe FanDuel’s previous responses left important questions unanswered, particularly about the relationship between its responsible gambling systems and VIP marketing.
The sportsbook now has until October 20 to provide the requested videos and user betting history.
