FanDuel Rejects Congressional Claims on VIP Program Incentives

FanDuel has defended its VIP rewards program to members of Congress, asserting that personalized videos for high-value customers are appreciation gestures, not tools to induce further gambling. This response addresses lawmaker concerns regarding the potential exploitation of vulnerable bettors through VIP perks, as reported by iGaming Today.

What Happened

FanDuel issued a letter dated October 20 to members of Congress, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Valerie P. Foushee and Paul D. Tonko, to address concerns about its VIP rewards program. The company argued that personalized videos sent to a small group of high-value customers were intended as customer appreciation gestures rather than incentives for increased wagering, according to iGaming Today. This communication forms part of an ongoing dispute initiated by lawmaker concerns over reports of a VIP customer receiving a personalized video from MLB player Bryce Harper, prompting questions about the role of such rewards in sports betting VIP programs.

FanDuel stated that its review identified approximately 30 videos involving athletes or entertainers sent over a two-year period, clarifying these were “obtained as customer-appreciation gestures and were not commissioned or sent to induce continued gambling.” The operator elaborated that its VIP program aims to provide enhanced customer service and loyalty benefits, encouraging customers to use FanDuel over competing platforms, rather than to increase overall wagering. Lawmakers had previously expressed concerns that VIP benefits might be used to target vulnerable bettors or those experiencing gambling harm, according to CDC Gaming.

Key Details

• FanDuel’s letter, dated October 20, defended its VIP program to Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Valerie P. Foushee and Paul D. Tonko, as reported by iGaming Today.
• The company identified approximately 30 personalized videos involving athletes or entertainers sent over a two-year period, characterizing them as customer-appreciation gestures and not inducements for gambling, according to iGaming Today.
• FanDuel stated its VIP program is designed for enhanced customer service and loyalty, aiming to encourage platform use rather than increased wagering, according to Ingame.com.
• The letter highlighted FanDuel’s responsible gambling controls, including tools for customers to manage their gambling and requirements for VIP account managers to escalate welfare concerns, as stated by iGaming Today.
• FanDuel launched a separate 90-day VIP program pilot on its FanDuel Predicts platform in September, serving fewer than 60 customers without personalized videos, and operating independently from its main sportsbook, according to iGaming Today.

Why It Matters

This exchange between FanDuel and members of Congress underscores ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding responsible gambling practices and customer protection within the regulated sports betting market. The debate over VIP programs and their potential impact on vulnerable bettors highlights a key area of focus for lawmakers examining industry practices. FanDuel’s emphasis on responsible gambling controls and the distinction between appreciation gestures and wagering incentives reflects the industry’s need to balance customer engagement with regulatory compliance and player welfare. The congressional probe into VIP rewards has expanded to include several betting companies, indicating a broader regulatory interest in these programs, according to RG.org.

What’s Next

FanDuel has confirmed its readiness to collaborate with lawmakers on customer protection issues but declined to provide certain customer-level information requested by Congress, citing obligations to protect personal and financial data, as reported by iGaming Today.

Originally reported by iGaming Today·Published 23 Oct 2026, 15:25