FanDuel defends VIP programme and responsible gaming measures before Congress
Lawmakers questioned a personalised Bryce Harper video sent to a Pennsylvania bettor.
US.- FanDuel has defended its responsible gaming policies and VIP programme in a letter to Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative Paul Tonko and Representative Valerie Foushee. The move follows a lawsuit over a Bryce Harper video sent to customer Terry Thompson.
The company said its responsible gaming framework applies across the 26 US jurisdictions where it operates and that VIP customers do not receive different treatment. It also said that employees receive training to identify signs of problematic gambling, with additional measures in place for VIP account managers.
The response came after the lawmakers sought answers from MLB and the players’ association over a Cameo video recorded by Harper for Thompson as a VIP gift. Thompson sued FanDuel and other sportsbooks, alleging predatory practices, and Harper said he did not know the video was “intended for a gambling addict” and would not have agreed to record it had he known.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this year by the Public Health Advocacy Institute on Thompson’s behalf alleges that his gambling intensified after he received personalised incentives, VIP benefits and other promotional offers intended to keep him betting.
FanDuel said its VIP programme is intended for a limited group of customers and includes additional compliance support and escalation procedures. Account managers receive quarterly training and regular updates, in addition to the responsible gaming training required for all employees.
“This is in addition to the responsible gaming training every FanDuel employee completes within 30 days of joining the company and refreshes each year. VIP customers remain subject to the same responsible gaming standards as every other customer; VIP Account Managers receive additional support if customers show signs of problematic play, and FanDuel maintains streamlined escalation channels so that higher-risk behaviour identified within the VIP programme can be addressed quickly,” the operator stated.
