FanDuel has defended its accountable gaming insurance policies and VIP buyer program after three U.S. lawmakers raised considerations a couple of customized Bryce Harper video despatched to a buyer who had beforehand alleged that sportsbooks inspired dangerous betting habits.
The sports activities betting operator responded to questions from Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC), explaining that its VIP program operates beneath the identical accountable gaming requirements utilized throughout the corporate’s sportsbook operations.
The lawmakers had contacted Major League Baseball, the MLB Players Association and FanDuel following considerations about skilled athletes collaborating in promotional actions related to VIP betting applications. Their questions adopted a video message recorded by Harper for Terry Thompson, a FanDuel VIP buyer who has filed a lawsuit in opposition to FanDuel and different operators.
Harper later mentioned he was unaware that the message was related to a gambling-related promotion and acknowledged that he wouldn’t have participated if he had identified the circumstances.
FanDuel mentioned its VIP program contains further oversight measures and that workers answerable for VIP accounts obtain specialised coaching. The firm additionally acknowledged that VIP account managers are salaried workers and are usually not rewarded primarily based on buyer wagering exercise or betting outcomes.
“FanDuel shares your interest in customer protection and responsible gaming and, as we wrote to you last May, FanDuel is committed to being a transparent and cooperative partner in ensuring that the expansion of sports wagering does not come at the expense of customer well-being,” the corporate wrote to the Congresspeople.
FanDuel Explains VIP Account Controls
FanDuel mentioned clients should go screening procedures earlier than receiving an invite to be part of its VIP program. The operator mentioned it critiques account exercise and confirms that potential VIP members are energetic clients in good standing.
The firm acknowledged that VIP members stay topic to the identical accountable gaming necessities as different customers. Additional assist is supplied via educated account managers, compliance groups and escalation procedures when considerations come up.
“Organizationally, customer protection informs decisions we make – that includes FanDuel’s VIP program, which is built to operate within that responsible gaming framework rather than around it,” the operator mentioned.
FanDuel defined that VIP workers obtain further accountable gaming coaching past the usual coaching required for all workers. The firm mentioned these classes proceed via quarterly coaching and common updates as new instruments and procedures are launched.
The operator additionally highlighted its behavioral monitoring programs, which analyze buyer exercise for doable indicators of playing hurt. According to FanDuel, these programs can lead to academic outreach, obligatory limits, non permanent account suspensions or everlasting exclusion.
“Any customer who tells us, at any point, that they have a gambling problem or an addiction is immediately and permanently excluded from every FanDuel product,” the operator mentioned, in accordance to Covers. “It is FanDuel’s policy not to encourage such customers to return to FanDuel.”
VIP clients even have entry to accountable gaming instruments, together with deposit limits, wager limits, time restrictions, account exercise statements and self-exclusion choices.
Operator Highlights Responsible Gaming Investment
FanDuel emphasised that accountable gaming measures are built-in into its wider enterprise operations. The firm pointed to its “Play with a Plan” marketing campaign, launched in January 2026, which goals to encourage clients to consider their playing habits and use obtainable controls.
According to FanDuel, its accountable gaming groups monitor exercise throughout its platforms, together with adjustments in deposits, withdrawals, wager sizes and buyer communications.
The firm additionally highlighted funding from mum or dad firm Flutter Entertainment, stating that Flutter spent $158 million on accountable gaming initiatives through the earlier 12 months.
FanDuel mentioned it’s a founding member of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), an trade group targeted on analysis, schooling and accountable gaming requirements. The affiliation’s members have dedicated greater than $20 million towards initiatives together with a shared self-exclusion database and certification applications requiring third-party audits.
“FanDuel shares your goal of ensuring that our products, tools, and safeguards protect customers, particularly those who may be at risk,” the operator advised the Congresspeople. “We remain committed to continuously strengthening our responsible gaming and player protection efforts, and we welcome the opportunity to continue working with you and your staffs on these issues. FanDuel remains committed to being a transparent, responsive, and cooperative partner.”
FanDuel mentioned its VIP program exists to present enhanced service for a restricted group of consumers whereas persevering with to function inside regulatory necessities throughout the 26 U.S. jurisdictions the place it holds sportsbook licenses.
