DraftKings denies targeting problem gamblers, as Congress presses
Six operators were pressed for VIP data, including customer counts & revenue, by the 5 November deadline.
The hit
DraftKings has told three members of Congress it does not target problem gamblers or likely losers for its Dynasty Rewards VIP programme, according to Sports Betting Dime, which obtained the company’s response. DraftKings said it does not use AI to find customers more likely to lose & get them to bet more, using data science & machine learning instead to target promotions by preference. The company said customers under self-exclusion, cool-off periods or responsible engagement suspensions get no promotional marketing. DraftKings also disclosed a VIP host sent a customer a personalised Cameo video from New York Knicks guard Miles McBride, the only such case involving a professional athlete the company says it can identify.
Why it matters
The response lands amid wider scrutiny of VIP sportsbook schemes after a FanDuel host allegedly sent a personalised Bryce Harper video to a customer who allegedly lost $1.5m & is now suing both FanDuel & DraftKings. Lawmakers want to know whether operators use AI or human hosts to keep vulnerable bettors wagering rather than cutting back.
The record
| Letter deadline set by lawmakers | 5 November (Sen. Blumenthal, Reps. Tonko & Foushee) |
|---|---|
| Operators sent VIP letters | BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, Kalshi, Polymarket |
| Site-wide promotions share | 80%-90% of all DraftKings offers (DraftKings) |
| My StatSheet usage | 13m unique visits, nearly half of users (DraftKings) |
| Cool-off re-entry blackout | 30 days with no proactive promotional contact (DraftKings) |
What happens next
Watch for Congress to publish or compare responses from BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, Kalshi & Polymarket, who received the same VIP programme questions. A lawsuit against FanDuel & DraftKings by a FanDuel customer is also ongoing.
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