Congress Demands MLB Reform After FanDuel Sent Bryce Harper Video to Problem Gambler

Three members of Congress are calling on Major League Baseball and its players union to change their gambling endorsement policies. The request comes after FanDuel reportedly used a personalized video featuring Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper in a VIP promotion for a man who said he lost about $1.5 million gambling on the platform.

The lawmakers sent a formal letter to MLB and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), adding to concerns about sportsbook marketing and athlete endorsements.

The Incident: A Personalized Video and a Problem Gambler

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on July 9, 2026, that a man who said he lost about $1.5 million betting on FanDuel received a personalized video from Harper.

In the video, Harper reportedly called the man by name, mentioned his son, and thanked him for his support. This type of personal attention is often used by sportsbooks to reward their most valuable customers.

The report raised concerns among lawmakers and consumer advocates. They questioned whether sportsbooks should use famous athletes to reward high-volume gamblers, especially when those customers may have gambling problems.

FanDuel is one of the largest sportsbook companies in the United States and competes closely with DraftKings in states where sports betting is regulated.

Harper’s Response: Cameo, Not FanDuel

Harper responded publicly on July 13 before taking part in the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.

He said he joined Cameo, a service that lets people buy personalized celebrity videos, to connect with fans.

Harper said that in November 2024, someone named “Bryttanni” asked him through Cameo to make a holiday video for a person named “Terry.” Harper said he followed the provided script and believed he was simply making a video for a fan.

According to Harper, FanDuel later added its branding and used the video in a gambling promotion without his knowledge or permission.

Harper said he would not have recorded the video if he had known how FanDuel planned to use it or about the recipient’s gambling situation.

Congressional Pressure Mounts on MLB and MLBPA; FanDuel Responds, MLB Silent

Sen. Blumenthal, Rep. Tonko, and Rep. Foushee are now asking MLB and the MLBPA to address the issue.

Their letter comes as MLB and the players union negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. The MLBPA has already indicated that it wants players to have more freedom to make individual endorsement deals with sportsbooks.

The lawmakers asked whether MLB and the union will allow player-sportsbook partnerships and how they plan to protect fans from gambling-related harm.

They also asked whether players should be banned from personalized sportsbook promotions connected to VIP programs and whether players will receive education about the risks these promotions can create for vulnerable fans.

FanDuel defended its responsible gambling policies. The company said its employees receive training to recognize signs of problem gambling and direct customers to available resources.

FanDuel also said it continues to review and improve its consumer protection policies. However, the response did not fully explain how a video featuring Harper was used as a VIP reward for a customer with a documented gambling addiction.

What’s Next: CBA Negotiations and Policy Reform

The controversy comes at an important time for MLB and the sports betting industry.

As MLB and the MLBPA continue contract negotiations, lawmakers want to know whether current rules do enough to prevent sportsbooks from using players’ images to market directly to problem gamblers.

MLB’s response could affect how sportsbook endorsement rights are handled in the next labor agreement. The controversy could also lead to greater federal attention on sportsbook VIP marketing practices across the industry.