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FanDuel has responded to three Members of Congress, defending its VIP program and outlining the safeguards it says are already in place.
The company’s letter went to Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Rep. Paul Tonko of New York, and Rep. Valerie Foushee of North Carolina after they raised concerns about a Bryce Harper Cameo video sent to a gambling addict.
In its reply, FanDuel stressed that the VIP program operates under the same responsible gaming rules as the rest of its platform, pointing out that those standards are set by regulators in the 26 states where it is licensed.
The sportsbook also told lawmakers that VIP hosts are not paid based on whether customers win or lose, and that staff receive training designed to spot signs of problem gambling.
“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 company wrote, according to Covers.
Harper’s and Thompson at the center of the case
The controversy grew after lawmakers pressed Major League Baseball and the players association for answers about Bryce Harper’s Cameo video, which was sent to Terry Thompson, a gambler now suing FanDuel and other operators for predatory practices.
In the clip, Harper told Thompson the message came from “your host Bryttanni from FanDuel.” Harper later said he had no idea the video was directed at someone struggling with addiction and insisted he would not have recorded it if he had known.
FanDuel used its letter to Congress to argue that customer protection guides every decision it makes, including the VIP program. The company explained that VIP account managers are salaried, not paid based on wins or losses, and receive extra training and compliance support.
FanDuel said those managers are taught to spot risky behavior and escalate concerns quickly, with refresher sessions held each quarter as new tools and processes are introduced.
The operator also emphasized that VIP customers face the same responsible gaming standards as everyone else, but with added monitoring. Potential VIPs are screened before joining, and FanDuel’s behavioral teams track indicators of problem gambling. The company said it responds “proactively” with education, mandatory limits, suspensions, or permanent exclusion when risks are identified.
“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 letter stated.
Thompson, who wagered about $18.5 million with FanDuel and received gifts and sports tickets as part of the VIP program, claims operators deliberately pushed him into heavy betting through targeted microbets and inducements.
FanDuel highlights responsible gambling commitments
FanDuel used its letter to underline a long‑standing pledge to responsible betting, pointing to both customer protections and its work with regulators.
The company said its parent, Flutter, spent $158 million last year on responsible gaming, with ongoing research and new investments aimed at improving the tools available to players.
It also reminded lawmakers that FanDuel helped establish the Responsible Online Gaming Association, a trade group focused on education and awareness. According to the operator, members of the association have already put more than $20 million into a shared self‑exclusion database and certification programs that require independent audits.
“FanDuel shares your goal of ensuring that our products, tools, and safeguards protect customers, particularly those who may be at risk,” the company wrote. “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.”
