A recent report involving leading sportsbook FanDuel has drawn attention to the potentially predatory practices used to keep customers engaged. Terry Thompson, one of FanDuel and DraftKings’ former clients, is now suing the two operators for failing to recognize his gambling addiction and actively encouraging his gambling habits through relentless marketing efforts despite his rising debts.
The Plaintiff Went Deep into Debt
A recent report by the Philadelphia Inquirer reveals that Thompson’s gambling journey started with seemingly innocent bets on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly got hooked on microbets, regularly wagering on every single play of the game. By late 2024, he had wagered $18.5 million on FanDuel. His losses reached $1.5 million, and he went deeply into debt.
According to Thompson, instead of acting on what were clear signs of gambling addiction, FanDuel doubled down, offering him VIP customer status and exclusive perks. These included champagne, Super Bowl tickets, and even a callout from his favorite star. Phillies star Bryce Harper appeared in a personalized video, calling Thompson by name and wishing the fan and his son a special Thanksgiving.
Harper’s involvement has raised eyebrows, as the athlete does not have an official partnership with FanDuel and likely did not know any details regarding Thompson’s addiction. It remains unclear how the baseball star got involved in this marketing stunt, especially as the NFL explicitly forbids athletes from promoting gambling.
The Video Raised Serious Questions
Fortunately for Harper, his message did not directly mention FanDuel, and he was not named as a defendant in Thompson’s lawsuit. However, the video did contain the operator’s logo in the background. It also remains unclear whether FanDuel or other companies used similar personalized messages with different VIP bettors.
This case is similar to several other ongoing lawsuits. In June, a Chicago-area man filed a legal challenge against DraftKings, alleging that the operator had granted him VIP status and provided a steady stream of incentives to keep him playing despite his financial difficulties. The lawsuit claims that DraftKings deliberately reinforced patterns connected with addiction by targeting vulnerable consumers.
As for Thompson, his experience is at the center of a lawsuit filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute, which represents him and another plaintiff. He has gone through extensive addiction therapy and no longer gambles. However, Thompson hopes to hold the two operators accountable for what the lawsuit claims are practices that intentionally maximize addiction.