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Fanatics Sportsbook has unveiled a new initiative aimed at tackling online abuse directed at athletes, coaches, and officials.
Announced on Thursday, the program is built in partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and Signify Group, combining IC360’s ProhiBet Bad Actor platform with Signify’s Threat Matrix service.
Together, they will monitor public social media activity for abusive or threatening content and identify individuals who cross the line. Those found guilty of harassment will face suspension or permanent termination of their sportsbook accounts, with names shared across participating operators to prevent repeat offenses.
“This groundbreaking program will hold bettors accountable for threats made against players, coaches, and officials. It falls in line with our core values at Fanatics – respect and tolerance for the athletes and coaches that play the games that we love,” stated Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
“We encourage other operators to join the initiative because there is no sports betting potential loss that should embolden a sports betting customer to threaten or harass an athlete online.”
Program to begin with the new football season
The program will begin with the football season, using Threat Matrix to track abusive posts and direct messages across platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Athletes and officials can also report abusive messages directly, which Signify will investigate and escalate when necessary. In cases where behavior crosses criminal thresholds, evidence packs will be prepared for law enforcement.
Fanatics Sportsbook, as the first legal betting operator to adopt the program, has committed to a zero‑tolerance policy. Accounts linked to abusive conduct will be suspended or terminated, and intelligence will be shared with sports leagues and teams to help them respond.
Scott Sadin, Co‑CEO of IC360, noted, “Threats of violence and harassment in sports at arenas and on social media are increasing at an alarming rate, undermining the integrity of the sports betting industry.”
Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group, added, “This is a clear message to anyone who believes threatening, harassing or abusing athletes online is simply part of being a fan: it is not.”
