FanDuel Sent MLB Star Bryce Harper Video to Gambling Addict

FanDuel, one of the largest sports betting operators in the US, is at the center of a scandal. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the service sent a personalized video message from MLB star Bryce Harper to a client diagnosed with a gambling addiction. In the clip, the Philadelphia Phillies player thanks the fan by name and mentions his young son.

The hero of the story is Terry Thompson, who has wagered about $18.5 million through FanDuel since 2020, losing around $2 million. He is now a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the company, claiming the bookmaker fueled his addiction with bonuses and VIP treatment.

In the video, Harper says: "Hey Terry, what's up brother? Hey man, your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special. So I just wanted to hop on here and wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell (redacted) I said hello. I appreciate all the support through the years. And I just hope you have a great day, enjoy it. And we'll see you soon. Bye."

Harper's longtime agent, Scott Boras, declined to comment on how FanDuel obtained the video. Professional sports leagues have strict rules about player interactions with betting companies. MLB allows athletes to appear in ads for casinos and sportsbooks but prohibits encouraging bets on baseball.

According to the Inquirer, this is the first known instance of an active professional athlete sending such a message to a fan. Patrick Mahomes' agent, Leigh Steinberg, called the video "bad for sports." The incident has sparked widespread discussion about ethics in gambling marketing.

Thompson was considered a VIP client, earning perks like Super Bowl tickets and high-end champagne. However, his losses reached $2 million, and he took out second and third mortgages on his home, which fell into foreclosure. He also sold shares in an investment company. His therapist reportedly feared he might harm himself and called the police. Thompson eventually entered a psychiatric facility for gambling addiction treatment.

The lawsuit against FanDuel is pending. This story raises important questions about how betting companies use personal data and celebrities to attract problem gamblers, potentially impacting future regulations.