Congress Wants Answers About Harper-FanDuel Fiasco
Jesse M. Cox Published 18/08/2026
Three members of Congress are calling for changes after a shady episode involving FanDuel, a troubled bettor, and MLB player Bryce Harper. In a letter signed by Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Paul Tonko, and Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, they are asking Major League Baseball and the MLBPA to change their policies to ensure that this unsavory episode is not repeated.
A FanDuel employee in the sports betting company's VIP section used a Cameo video recorded by Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper to try to encourage a FanDuel bettor with a gambling addiction to wager more on the site. The bettor is suing FanDuel.
Lawmakers are calling on MLB, MLBPA and FanDuel to make changes
The trio of lawmakers wrote separate letters to MLB, MLBPA, and FanDuel.
They lsent a letter to MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred and MLBPA Interim Director Bruce Meyer. The lawmakers are demanding an end to the MLB and MLBPA policies enabling this type of predatory promotion. There was also a separate letter to FanDuel Chief Executive Officer Christian Genetski. The lawmakers called on the sportsbook to end its VIP program for bettors. They further noted that this is especially concerning when it involves those suffering from a gambling addiction.
“In late 2024, Terry Thompson, who was already experiencing severe financial distress due to his gambling addiction, received a video in which Mr. Harper wished him an ‘extra special Thanksgiving’ and referenced his son," the letter noted. "This video was prepared at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager at FanDuel and intended to entice further gambling.
"As a FanDuel customer, Mr. Thompson ultimately wagered $18.5 million and lost over $1.5 million through the platform, taking out several mortgages on his home and selling shares of his business to fund his addiction.”
Congress members are calling out FanDuel for unsavory practices
The three members of Congress believe what they see here appears to be predatory practices by FanDuel. They're asking FanDuel and other betting sites to discontinue VIP programs.
“FanDuel claims to exclude customers demonstrating ‘potentially problematic behavior’ from its products and promotions," the letter reads. "But its VIP perks are dangerously designed to distract bettors, including those struggling with a gambling addiction, from their financial losses and entice further destructive gambling – especially when they are attempting to quit.
"The very nature of VIP programs is to develop ‘close’ relationships with their clients over time, fostering false friendships and frequently asking about bettors’ personal lives to make them more willing to place bets. Gambling is a known addictive product, and VIP/host relationships are designed to keep people actively engaged and at greater risk.”
FanDuel countered by sending its own letter to the three members of Congress. It pointed out that all VIP managers work on a salary. They don't get bonuses if one of the players they manage bets more money.
"FanDuel is committed to being a transparent and cooperative partner in ensuring that the expansion of sports wagering does not come at the expense of customer well-being,” the FanDuel response read.
Harper was an innocent victim in this incident
The lawmakers also sought to make it clear that Harper shoulders no blame for what transpired in this episode.
“Mr. Harper has stated he was unaware of the true purpose of the video and would not have participated had he known," read their letter.
Instead, the members of Congress are pointing the blame at MLB and MLBPA. The lawmakers want to see MLB and MLBPA work together. They should put into place a prohibition on players working directly with betting sites for promotional purposes.
"This is a failure that MLB and the MLBPA must confront directly, especially as both are in the midst of renegotiating their collective bargaining agreement,” read the letter.
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