Brief
Sen. Blumenthal to Question DraftKings and Prediction‑Market Platforms on VIP Programs
The senator’s inquiry follows a FanDuel letter and a high‑profile video sent to a bettor in 2024.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced plans to request information from DraftKings and two prediction‑market platforms, Kalshi and Polymarket, about their VIP loyalty programs, according to Front Office Sports. The move expands a congressional inquiry that already targets FanDuel’s VIP bettor program.
What happened
Blumenthal, joined by Rep. Paul Tonko and Rep. Valerie Foushee, sent a letter on Oct. 6 demanding details on FanDuel’s use of personalized athlete and celebrity videos for VIP bettors and the safeguards in place for problem gamblers. FanDuel replied on Sept. 24, emphasizing its responsible‑gaming focus and ongoing investment in technology and education. The letter also asked which athletes and entertainers have recorded videos and how the company protects vulnerable customers.
What the reports add
Front Office Sports reported that Blumenthal intends to raise the same questions with DraftKings, extending the scrutiny to its sportsbook VIP practices and its emerging presence in prediction markets. Kalshi spokesperson Elisabeth Diana said the firm does not target losing customers with promotions, noting its loyalty program offers merchandise and referral incentives unrelated to win‑loss records. A Polymarket spokesperson highlighted user‑protection tools such as voluntary self‑exclusion, deposit limits and mental‑health resources.
What was said
Blumenthal told Front Office Sports he will ask DraftKings the same questions outlined in the FanDuel letter. Diana told the outlet Kalshi does not base loyalty rewards on users’ losses. The Polymarket spokesperson said the platform provides responsible‑trading tools, but did not comment on VIP schemes.
How it came about
The inquiry follows the public disclosure of a Cameo video recorded by MLB star Bryce Harper in Nov. 2024 for a bettor deep in gambling debt, which FanDuel sent as part of its VIP program. Blumenthal has been pressing FanDuel since the summer, and the latest letter indicates a broader congressional interest in how loyalty schemes operate across sportsbooks and prediction‑market sites.
Key facts
- Sen. Richard Blumenthal plans to request information from DraftKings, Kalshi and Polymarket about their VIP programs. (readwrite.com)
- FanDuel responded on Sept. 24, stressing responsible gaming and technology investments. (readwrite.com)
- Kalshi says its loyalty program does not target customers based on wins or losses. (readwrite.com)
- Polymarket points to self‑exclusion, deposit limits and mental‑health resources as user‑protection tools. (readwrite.com)
- The inquiry follows a 2024 Bryce Harper Cameo video sent to a high‑risk bettor through FanDuel’s VIP program. (readwrite.com)
Sources
- [1] readwrite.com — originally reported as “DraftKings VIP Program Congressional Questions”
