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FanDuel is facing renewed congressional scrutiny over its VIP program after lawmakers sought records tied to personalized celebrity messages and the company’s treatment of customers showing signs of gambling harm.
According to reporting cited by ReadWrite, Sen. Richard Blumenthal accused FanDuel of targeting and exploiting problem gamblers. The questions center in part on a personalized video featuring baseball star Bryce Harper that was reportedly sent to a customer already experiencing gambling addiction.
Lawmakers want copies of VIP videos and customer data
The request to FanDuel reportedly seeks copies of about 30 personalized celebrity videos, along with details on who received them and how those recipients were selected.
Lawmakers also asked for information about each recipient’s betting activity before the videos were sent, including wagers and wins or losses. The request further sought to determine whether those customers had used tools to pause or restrict gambling, what steps VIP hosts took to assess possible harm, and whether player-protection data was used in promotional targeting.
The Harper-related case cited in the reporting involved a customer who had reportedly lost $1.5 million on FanDuel.
Why the scrutiny matters
The issue goes beyond one video. The questions from Congress focus on whether VIP and retention efforts may have overlapped with indicators of gambling harm.
That is notable for players because the records request specifically asks how FanDuel identified recipients and whether internal responsible-gambling information played any role in outreach. If those materials are produced, they could offer a clearer look at how VIP marketing and player-protection systems interact at a major U.S. operator.
FanDuel has previously said the personalized celebrity videos were intended as a token of appreciation for customers. WTNH reported it had contacted the company for comment and was awaiting a response.
What to watch next
PlayUSA reported that lawmakers gave FanDuel until Oct. 20, 2026, to provide the requested material. The next key development is whether the company responds publicly or whether the document request leads to additional scrutiny of sportsbook VIP practices.
For players, the story is another reminder to use available responsible-gambling tools, including options that pause or limit play, if betting stops feeling manageable.
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Source: As reported by readwrite.com.
