FanDuel Sent Bryce Harper Celebrity Video to Customer Flagged as a Gambling Addict
Defector—Sports betting giant FanDuel sent a personalized video message from MLB star Bryce Harper to a customer who had self-identified as having a gambling problem, an investigation has revealed. The tactic exposes how gambling companies deploy celebrity endorsements not merely for advertising but as targeted retention tools aimed at keeping at-risk users engaged. The customer had reached out to FanDuel for help managing their gambling behavior but instead received a high-profile promotional message designed to draw them back. Gambling addiction advocates say the incident undercuts industry claims of responsible gaming commitment and illustrates systemic incentives to exploit vulnerable customers.