Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has publicly stated that he did not consent to FanDuel using a personalized Cameo video he recorded as a VIP reward for a high-stakes bettor. The video, which included personal references to the bettor and his family, was reportedly given to a FanDuel VIP customer who later filed a lawsuit against the sportsbook, alleging it exploited his gambling addiction.
The bettor, Terry Thompson, wagered approximately $18.5 million with FanDuel and also lost money on DraftKings, according to a lawsuit filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute in Philadelphia’s Common Pleas Court. Thompson’s losses reportedly reached $1.5 million.
Harper shared a screenshot of the Cameo request, an app where fans pay celebrities for custom videos, and clarified that he was unaware of FanDuel’s intention to use the video as a promotional reward. He said he recorded the video at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager at FanDuel, known as “your host Bryttanni.” The video was marked with FanDuel’s logo, which Harper says he did not approve.
In a social media statement, Harper emphasized, “Had I known FanDuel’s true intent, I would not have made the video. The same is true had I known anything about Terry or his situation, or about any alleged ‘partnership’ between Cameo and FanDuel.” He added, “I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it.“
This incident raises important concerns for players and bettors about how sportsbooks may use personalized content as incentives or rewards, especially for VIP customers who may be at risk of gambling harm. The use of celebrity endorsements or personalized messages can create a sense of personal connection that might encourage continued betting, potentially exacerbating problem gambling behaviors.
FanDuel responded by reaffirming its commitment to responsible gaming, stating that its employees are trained to recognize signs of problem gambling and provide resources and tools to protect customers. However, this case highlights the challenges in balancing marketing strategies with player protection, particularly for high-value bettors.
Players should be aware that VIP rewards and personalized incentives may sometimes be used as part of sportsbook marketing, and they should consider the potential risks if they or someone they know is vulnerable to gambling harm. Access to self-exclusion tools, betting limits, and support services remain critical for responsible play.
For more on responsible gambling and player protection, visit our Responsible Gambling section. To understand the broader sports betting landscape, see our Betting coverage.
Read the original report from CDC Gaming: MLB star says FanDuel used his Cameo video as VIP player reward without his consent.
Additional recent industry updates include Nevada’s move to revise progressive slot rates to support manufacturers and enable inter-casino linking, which could impact player experiences in linked progressive jackpots. Read more about this development here.
Meanwhile, Maine’s casino revenue showed a slight increase in June, with slot machines driving most of the growth. This reflects ongoing trends in regional gaming markets that can influence player options and promotions. Details are available here.
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