FanDuel has defended its responsible gaming policies and VIP customer program after three U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about a personalized Bryce Harper video sent to a customer who had previously alleged that sportsbooks encouraged harmful betting behavior.
The sports betting operator responded to questions from Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC), explaining that its VIP program operates under the same responsible gaming standards applied across the company’s sportsbook operations.
The lawmakers had contacted Major League Baseball, the MLB Players Association and FanDuel following concerns about professional athletes participating in promotional activities connected to VIP betting programs. Their questions followed a video message recorded by Harper for Terry Thompson, a FanDuel VIP customer who has filed a lawsuit against FanDuel and other operators.
Harper later said he was unaware that the message was connected to a gambling-related promotion and stated that he would not have participated if he had known the circumstances.
FanDuel said its VIP program includes additional oversight measures and that employees responsible for VIP accounts receive specialized training. The company also stated that VIP account managers are salaried employees and are not rewarded based on customer wagering activity or betting results.
“FanDuel shares your interest in customer protection and responsible gaming and, as we wrote to you last May, FanDuel is committed to being a transparent and cooperative partner in ensuring that the expansion of sports wagering does not come at the expense of customer well-being,” the company wrote to the Congresspeople.
FanDuel Explains VIP Account Controls
FanDuel said customers must pass screening procedures before receiving an invitation to join its VIP program. The operator said it reviews account activity and confirms that potential VIP members are active customers in good standing.
The company stated that VIP members remain subject to the same responsible gaming requirements as other users. Additional support is provided through trained account managers, compliance teams and escalation procedures when concerns arise.
“Organizationally, customer protection informs decisions we make – that includes FanDuel’s VIP program, which is built to operate within that responsible gaming framework rather than around it,” the operator said.
FanDuel explained that VIP employees receive additional responsible gaming training beyond the standard training required for all employees. The company said those sessions continue through quarterly training and regular updates as new tools and procedures are introduced.
The operator also highlighted its behavioral monitoring systems, which analyze customer activity for possible signs of gambling harm. According to FanDuel, these systems can lead to educational outreach, mandatory limits, temporary account suspensions or permanent exclusion.
“Any customer who tells us, at any point, that they have a gambling problem or an addiction is immediately and permanently excluded from every FanDuel product,” the operator said, according to Covers. “It is FanDuel’s policy not to encourage such customers to return to FanDuel.”
VIP customers also have access to responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits, wager limits, time restrictions, account activity statements and self-exclusion options.
Operator Highlights Responsible Gaming Investment
FanDuel emphasized that responsible gaming measures are integrated into its wider business operations. The company pointed to its “Play with a Plan” campaign, launched in January 2026, which aims to encourage customers to evaluate their gambling habits and use available controls.
According to FanDuel, its responsible gaming teams monitor activity across its platforms, including changes in deposits, withdrawals, wager sizes and customer communications.
The company also highlighted investment from parent company Flutter Entertainment, stating that Flutter spent $158 million on responsible gaming initiatives during the previous year.
FanDuel said it is a founding member of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), an industry group focused on research, education and responsible gaming standards. The association’s members have committed more than $20 million toward initiatives including a shared self-exclusion database and certification programs requiring third-party audits.
“FanDuel shares your goal of ensuring that our products, tools, and safeguards protect customers, particularly those who may be at risk,” the operator told the Congresspeople. “We remain committed to continuously strengthening our responsible gaming and player protection efforts, and we welcome the opportunity to continue working with you and your staffs on these issues. FanDuel remains committed to being a transparent, responsive, and cooperative partner.”
FanDuel said its VIP program exists to provide enhanced service for a limited group of customers while continuing to operate within regulatory requirements across the 26 U.S. jurisdictions where it holds sportsbook licenses.