FanDuel Thanks for losing $2 million on bets, here’s a message from MLB star Bryce Harper!
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FanDuel – the popular sports betting company – reportedly sent a bettor struggling with a massive gambling addiction a personalized message from the MLB star Bryce Harperthanking him by name and mentioning his young son.
According to the Philadelphia Investigator …the best, Terry Thompsonhas played $18.5 million with FanDuel since 2020 and lost about $2 million on bets… he is now a plaintiff in a lawsuit against FanDuel, claiming the company fueled his gambling addiction with perks and VIP treatment.
In Harper’s personalized video, the Philadelphia Phillies star wished Thompson a “very special Thanksgiving” and even mentioned Thompson’s young son.
Harper’s longtime agent, Scott Borasdeclined the Inquirer’s attempt to discuss how FanDuel obtained the video.
In the clip, Harper reportedly said… “Hey Terry, what’s up bro? Hey man, your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special. So I just wanted to come up here and wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Say (redacted) I said hello. I appreciate all the support over the years. And I just hope you have a great day, enjoy. And see you soon. Bye.”
There are various rules and regulations in the world of professional sports on how players can or cannot associate with gaming and betting companies. According to Inquirer, MLB “allows athletes to appear in advertisements or make personal appearances at casinos, racetracks or sports betting companies, provided that baseball players do not encourage betting on baseball.”
The Inquirer was unable to find another example of an active professional athlete sending such a message to a fan…and to the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback. Patrick Mahomes‘ agent Leigh Steinberg called the video “bad for sports”.
Thompson was considered a VIP since he bet millions with FanDuel – even winning perks like two sets of Super Bowl tickets and high-end champagne.
But his losses reportedly reached the $2 million mark, and he covered those expenses by taking out a second and third mortgage on his home, which was foreclosed on. He even sold his shares in an investment company. He also allegedly frightened his therapist into believing he would harm himself given the seriousness of the situation, leading the therapist to send the police to his home.
Thompson eventually entered a psychiatric facility to get treatment for gambling addiction, according to the report.
The lawsuit against FanDuel is currently ongoing.
