Leading global sports platform “redefining how fans engage with the teams, players, and moments they love”, Fanatics, is getting ready to put an end to abusive and threatening behavior directed at athletes, coaches, and officials online.
The operator is marking one of the most aggressive integrity initiatives yet from a major sports betting operator.
First in the US
Starting with the 2026 NFL season, Fanatics Sportsbook will work alongside integrity specialist IC360 and social media intelligence provider Signify Group to monitor public online activity across platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
The system will also allow athletes to submit abusive direct messages for review.
The program, known as the Bad Actor Program, will identify individuals who engage in harassment or threats and add them to a shared database. Participating sportsbooks will then be able to suspend or restrict the accounts of those flagged users.
Fanatics Sportsbook is the first licensed betting operator in the US to join the initiative, which combines Signify’s Threat Matrix monitoring technology with IC360’s ProhiBet integrity system. Both companies already work with sports organizations and betting operators on compliance and integrity issues.
Preserving Respect
According to Fanatics, the goal is to protect athletes and preserve respect within sport while discouraging behavior that crosses the line from fandom into abuse.
Matt King, chief executive officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to respect and tolerance in sport, adding that no betting outcome justifies harassment or threats toward players or officials.
Signify Group chief executive officer Jonathan Hirshler said the program responds to growing pressure from sports organizations to address online abuse linked to betting activity, calling it a clear message that harassment is not part of being a fan.
Co-chief efecutive officer of IC360, Scott Sadin: “Threats of violence and harassment in sports at arenas and on social media are increasing at an alarming rate, undermining the integrity of the sports betting industry.
Addressing the individuals with ProhiBet BA and Threat Matrix is crucial to protecting athletes and other stakeholders from serious, long-term harm.”
The initiative is also expected to expand to sports leagues and teams, with shared intelligence helping identify repeat offenders. In more serious cases involving credible threats, information may be escalated to law enforcement authorities.