Lawmakers Demand End to Gambling Loyalty Programs After Baseball Video Controversy
Washington, Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
U.S. lawmakers demanded FanDuel dismantle its VIP rewards program after a promotional video featuring baseball star Bryce Harper was given to a bettor who lost $1.5 million.
Congressional Demand for Policy Review
Members of the United States Congress have formally requested Major League Baseball and the players’ union to re-evaluate internal rules following a controversial sports betting video featuring star player Bryce Harper [1]. The congressional inquiry underscores growing federal scrutiny over the rapid expansion of sports gambling partnerships and player involvement in promotional content [1]. On 2026-08-03, lawmakers sent letters to FanDuel Sportsbook, Major League Baseball, and the Major League Baseball Players Association demanding responses to the controversy [2].
Federal Inquiry Intensifies
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) and U.S. Reps. Paul D. Tonko (D., N.Y.) and Valerie P. Foushee (D., N.C.) led the charge by sending a letter to FanDuel CEO Christian Genetski [1]. The lawmakers demanded the termination of the company’s VIP reward program and requested responses to eight inquiries by 2026-08-24 [1]. This deadline allows for a response window of 21 days from the initial letter date [1].
Background on the Controversy
In 2024, a FanDuel VIP manager utilized a 21-second Cameo video of Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper as a reward for Terry Thompson, a Montgomery County resident [1]. Thompson subsequently lost $1.5 million on the platform, leading to a lawsuit filed in March 2026 by the nonprofit Public Health Advocacy Institute [1]. Harper later stated he recorded the message through the video service Cameo but had no idea that FanDuel was going to use the 21-second video as a reward for a gambler [2].
Legislative and League Responses
Lawmakers issued a letter to MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred and MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer requesting the prohibition of athlete promotional work for gambling entities [1]. The current MLB collective bargaining agreement allows athletes to endorse casinos and sportsbooks, provided they do not encourage betting on baseball; this agreement is set to expire in December 2026 [1]. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania elected officials are drafting legislation to restrict or eliminate sportsbook VIP programs and in-game microbets [1].
Industry and Union Positions
The MLB Players Association is reportedly seeking expanded freedom for players to pursue endorsements from sportsbook operators and prediction markets in upcoming collective bargaining negotiations [1]. FanDuel maintained that customer protection informs every decision they make as an organization, and they do not compromise when it comes to doing the right thing for their customers [1]. Congressional members stated leagues must not allow players to legitimize sportsbook VIP programs designed to exploit the most vulnerable fans [1].