FanDuel, a prominent operator in the online gambling industry, attempted to retain a VIP client struggling with gambling addiction by sending a personalized video from MLB star Bryce Harper, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The client, Terry Thompson, has wagered a staggering $18.5 million through FanDuel since 2020, earning him VIP status and a dedicated personal manager. Following significant losses, Thompson received a video message from Harper, a two-time MVP, who addressed him by name, mentioned his son, and expressed gratitude for his support.
Experts have labeled this incident as unprecedented. However, journalists found no evidence of a partnership between Harper and FanDuel, nor any indication that the baseball player was aware of Thompson's gambling addiction. The Philadelphia Inquirer did not uncover any other instances of active athletes recording personalized messages for VIP clients.
According to the lawsuit, Thompson's losses eventually reached nearly $2 million, which he covered through home mortgages and selling his stake in an investment company. By the end of February, Thompson lost his last $10,000 on DraftKings, leading to a severe psychological crisis. He is currently undergoing treatment for gambling addiction at a psychiatric clinic.
In March, attorneys filed a lawsuit on his behalf against FanDuel and DraftKings, accusing the operators' products and VIP services of intentionally maximizing addiction. While Harper is not among the defendants, his case has raised questions for MLB regarding the acceptable degree of proximity between players and the gambling industry. The league and the baseball players' union are already discussing a new collective bargaining agreement.