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DraftKings faced sharp criticism in New York after a Sept. 11, 2023 sportsbook promotion tied a preset parlay to the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The wager, labeled “Never Forget,” featured the Yankees, Mets, and Jets, and was pulled after widespread backlash on social media.
The episode remains a notable example of the scrutiny sportsbook marketing can face in a regulated market like New York, especially when promotions touch on a national tragedy.
The promotion was removed after public backlash
According to GamblingHarm.org, the parlay required all three New York teams to win in order for the bet to cash. It appeared on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, in which nearly 3,000 people were killed.
DraftKings later apologized for the promotion, saying: “We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11.” The company also said it respected the significance of the day, particularly for families directly affected by the attacks.
The report said DraftKings did not disclose how many customers placed the wager before it was removed.
New York regulators publicly condemned the incident
The article says New York gambling regulators described the promotion as “reprehensible” and said they were “appalled” by it. Regulators also met with DraftKings executives after the incident, though no fine was announced.
That matters for New York players because it shows the state is willing to publicly challenge sportsbook advertising and promotional decisions, even when it stops short of formal financial penalties.
The source also reported that DraftKings changed its internal review procedures after the controversy, although specific changes were not detailed.
What New York players should take from it
For players, the episode is less about a single removed wager and more about how sportsbook promotions are reviewed in one of the country’s biggest regulated betting markets. It also highlights a limit in the public record: New York did not announce a fine, and key details — including how many bets were placed and what process changes were made — were not disclosed.
Readers should watch for similar future cases involving sportsbook marketing, responsible gambling standards, and how New York regulators choose to respond when promotions cross a line.
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Source: As reported by Brian Pempus.
