Congress Challenges MLB Over FanDuel VIP Promotion

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Aug 12, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Congress Challenges MLB Over FanDuel VIP Promotion

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Congress is challenging Major League Baseball's sportsbook policies after FanDuel used a Bryce Harper video as a VIP reward. The dispute centers on a personalized message sent to FanDuel customer Terry Thompson in November 2024. Thompson had wagered $18.5 million with FanDuel and reportedly lost $1.5 million.

Harper recorded the 21-second message through Cameo. He later said he did not know FanDuel would use it for a gambling promotion. Harper also said he would not have made the video had he known its purpose.

The controversy has now expanded beyond FanDuel and Harper. Three members of Congress are questioning MLB's relationships with sportsbooks and its protections for bettors.

What Does the US Congress Want From MLB?

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) sent letters to MLB and the MLB Players Association. They also contacted FanDuel CEO Christian Genetski over its VIP practices.

The lawmakers want MLB and MLBPA to reconsider policies allowing players to participate in sportsbook partnerships. MLB currently permits these arrangements when players do not encourage betting on baseball.

Congress believes that rule does not address personalized promotions targeting sportsbook customers. The lawmakers therefore raised five specific questions for MLB and MLBPA:

  1. What is their current position on allowing MLB players to endorse or partner with sportsbooks?
  2. How will they ensure fan safety takes priority over gambling partnership revenue?
  3. Are current sportsbook endorsement policies sufficient to prevent predatory VIP promotions?
  4. Will MLB and MLBPA educate players about the risks of sportsbook promotions?
  5. Will they prohibit players from appearing in personalized VIP or tier-program marketing?

Congress gave MLB and MLBPA until August 24 to answer the questions. The timing adds significance because the league and union are renegotiating their collective bargaining agreement.

The lawmakers also want MLB to reconsider policies that enabled the Harper promotion. They argue personalized player content could encourage vulnerable customers to continue gambling.

The issue could therefore affect how baseball organizations approach partnerships with US online sportsbooks. It could also influence how sportsbooks use MLB picks and MLB odds content in marketing campaigns.

Congress Targets FanDuel's VIP Program

Congress has also directly targeted FanDuel's VIP program following the Harper controversy.

The lawmakers urged FanDuel to end the program. They argued that sportsbook VIP systems can encourage excessive betting among vulnerable customers.

The Harper video adds another layer to those concerns. The video was originally ordered through Cameo under the pseudonym "Bryttanni." FanDuel later obtained the recording and placed its branding on the video before presenting it to the VIP customer.

The lawmakers specifically criticized personal relationships between VIP hosts and high-volume bettors. They believe those relationships can encourage customers to remain engaged with gambling.

The congressional criticism also focuses on the digital nature of modern sports betting. VIP managers can contact customers frequently through online platforms. Congress believes this accessibility could increase exposure to aggressive marketing tactics.

Thompson's experience has become central to that argument. He reportedly received several VIP benefits after placing substantial wagers through FanDuel. The personalized Harper video became one of the most prominent rewards linked to his account.

FanDuel Defends Its Consumer Protection Measures

FanDuel has pushed back against the criticism while defending its responsible gambling systems.

The sportsbook said customer protection remains central to its operations. FanDuel also pointed to its Play with a Plan approach and monitoring systems.

According to the company, its systems identify concerning betting patterns and unusual deposits. Trained specialists can then intervene when customers show potential signs of gambling-related harm.

FanDuel said those interventions can include deposit limits, cooling-off periods and account exclusions. The company did not agree to Congress's demand to eliminate its VIP program.

MLB and MLBPA have not provided substantive responses to the congressional request. Their eventual answers could determine whether the league changes its sportsbook policies.

Why This Matters for US Online Sportsbooks

The controversy could create wider consequences for US online sportsbooks and professional sports leagues.

Sports betting has become deeply integrated with major sports organizations. Leagues and teams use sportsbook partnerships to generate revenue, while sportsbooks use sports content to attract customers.

The congressional inquiry could force those relationships under greater scrutiny. That scrutiny may extend to celebrity endorsements, VIP programs and personalized marketing campaigns.

It could also change how sportsbooks promote MLB odds and MLB picks to customers. Regulators and lawmakers may increasingly examine whether marketing reaches vulnerable bettors through personalized channels.

The issue also arrives as MLB and MLBPA renegotiate their collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, sportsbook policies could become part of broader discussions about player involvement in gambling promotions.

For now, the August 24 deadline represents the next major development. MLB and MLBPA must explain how they intend to address Congress's concerns.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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