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Lawmakers Seek More Info After FanDuel’s “Incomplete” Answer on VIP Program

By jili tutorial · September 5, 2026

Lawmakers Press FanDuel for Answers on VIP Program After “Incomplete” Response

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC) are demanding more details about FanDuel’s exclusive, invite-only VIP program. The lawmakers found the sportsbook’s previous answers to their questions insufficient and misleading.

What Did Lawmakers Ask in the First Inquiry?

The investigation began after FanDuel sent a personalized video message from Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper to one of its VIP customers in 2024. That customer later filed a legal claim alleging he lost more than $1.5 million gambling through the FanDuel mobile app. Adding to the controversy, reports suggested FanDuel used Harper’s video without his consent.

On August 10, the three lawmakers sent letters to FanDuel, Major League Baseball (MLB), and the MLB Players Association. They called on baseball to ban promotional partnerships with betting companies—including FanDuel—following the Bryce Harper incident. The letter posed eight specific questions, such as whether FanDuel plans to suspend or terminate its VIP program.

The lawmakers also asked whether VIP hosts receive training to build personal relationships with customers to encourage them to gamble more.

FanDuel responded on August 14, stating it remained committed to being “transparent and cooperative.” The company claimed it spent $158 million on responsible gaming initiatives in 2023 and conducts thorough account reviews before granting VIP access. However, FanDuel did not directly address several of the lawmakers’ core questions.

What Does the New Letter Say?

Unsatisfied with the response, the three lawmakers sent a second letter to FanDuel on September 3. In it, they argued that FanDuel failed to provide substantive answers and instead offered “misleading and incomplete” information about its VIP services and perks.

The new letter states that the lawmakers remain unconvinced the sportsbook is taking active steps to protect bettors from harmful gambling. Instead, they allege, FanDuel appears to be promoting addiction.

The letter also accuses FanDuel of failing to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to customer well-being by not imposing limits on what the lawmakers describe as “exploitative and dangerous” marketing and business practices. It adds that if FanDuel genuinely cares about its customers, it would be transparent with Congress about its business practices and end the alleged exploitative tactics.

FanDuel has not yet responded to this new letter. Separately, the company recently launched new sports betting products and features in time for the upcoming NFL season.