DraftKings made ProPublica reporter a VIP during betting safeguards test
A 10-week experiment found promotions continued around limits and a cool-off period. DraftKings said its safeguards worked as intended; the single-account test cannot show how the company treats customers generally.
A ProPublica reporter who mimicked compulsive gambling for 10 weeks was admitted to DraftKings’ VIP programme and received betting promotions while testing the sportsbook’s safeguards. The investigation documents one account and does not establish how operators treat customers generally.
The reporter said DraftKings offered VIP status after about three weeks and $5,800 in deposits. After setting deposit and time limits, the reporter received promotional alerts. Following a three-day cool-off, the reporter’s VIP host later provided a $1,250 deposit match.
DraftKings’ chief responsible gaming officer, Lori Kalani, disputed the reporter’s interpretation and said the system worked as intended. She said the account did not meet the company’s criteria for manual review. DraftKings did not disclose how often it closes accounts for suspected problem gambling.
In a separate one-week test, FanDuel sent the reporter six “Reality Check” reminders but did not invite them to its VIP programme. The company did not explain whether it restricted one wager for risk concerns or business reasons.
The investigation also found that DraftKings did not provide its New York problem-gaming plan, which is required under state law. The company’s safeguards and the incentives built into betting products are part of a wider debate over consumer protection as sports betting expands in the United States.
