Senator broadens gambling scrutiny to DraftKings and prediction markets after FanDuel VIP probe
Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he plans to demand information from DraftKings and prediction-market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, extending a congressional inquiry that began with FanDuel's VIP bettor program. Blumenthal and two House members issued a letter saying FanDuel's September response failed to adequately answer their questions, including which athletes and celebrities recorded personalized videos for high-volume bettors and what safeguards exist to prevent enticing problem gamblers. According to the article, FanDuel disclosed it has sent roughly 30 such videos featuring athletes and entertainers over the past two years, and that the videos were arranged through Cameo for Business rather than a formal exclusive partnership. Kalshi's spokesperson told Front Office Sports that the platform does not offer targeted promotions based on customer losses, drawing a contrast with traditional sportsbooks where, she argued, a VIP designation effectively identifies a losing customer.
Why it matters
For brands: Sportsbooks and prediction-market platforms face growing congressional pressure to disclose how VIP loyalty programs are structured and what protections exist for problem gamblers.
For media: The story signals that legislative scrutiny of sports betting and prediction markets is expanding beyond FanDuel to the broader industry, making it a developing policy story to watch.
For athletes: Athletes and entertainers who record personalized content for sportsbook loyalty programs may face reputational and legal questions as lawmakers seek more disclosure about these arrangements.
Read the full story at Front Office Sports
Sources
- Front Office Sports · Ben Horney: DraftKings, Prediction Markets Put on Notice Amid FanDuel VIP Scrutiny