FanDuel sent a video from sports star Bryce Harper to a client with a gambling problem

FanDuela sports betting app, is being sued for using VIP privileges to deepen customers’ gambling addictions. according to Philadelphia InquirerPhillies star and two-time MLB MVP Bryce Harper sent a personal video message to Terry Thompson, one of the plaintiffs in the case, as part of FanDuel’s special treatment for big spenders.

FanDuel hires VIP managers to build personal relationships with big players like Thompson, who has wagered $18.5 million with FanDuel since 2020. According to the lawsuit, he eventually took out a second and third mortgage on his home, lost it to foreclosure, and sought psychological treatment for a gambling addiction. While these companies often lure their top customers with Super Bowl tickets and other perks, The Inquirer found no precedent for an active sports star like Harper sending this type of personal message to a bettor.

In the 21-second video, which was obtained by The Inquirer, Harper does not directly ask Thompson to gamble; However, it was reported that Thompson’s FanDuel host wanted to make sure Thompson had an “extra special Thanksgiving.”

The video calls into question the confused relationship between professional athletes and gambling apps. MLB players are prohibited from gambling, and two pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, were banned Federally charged Last year for allegedly accepting bribes to repair stadiums. However, MLB partners extensively with sportsbooks and prediction markets such as Polymarketand gambling apps are frequently advertised in stadiums and broadcasts.