Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper claims he didn’t know that a video message he recorded on Cameo would be used by FanDuel for a VIP promotion aimed at an addicted gambler. The video, featuring Harper wishing a man named Terry Thompson “an extra-special Thanksgiving,” was reportedly sent in November 2024. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Thompson subsequently lost $2 million betting at FanDuel. Harper addressed this issue publicly on July 13, stating he never consented to the video’s commercial use.
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Harper Denies Approval for Commercial Use
Bryce Harper took to Instagram to clarify his position, stating, “I did not know FanDuel would do this. I didn’t consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it.” He emphasized that he joined Cameo to engage with fans, not as a commercial tool for gambling promotions. Harper insists he had no knowledge of Thompson’s situation or any supposed partnership between Cameo and FanDuel. The video request came from someone named “Bryttanni,” who asked for a holiday message, which Harper read without knowledge of its intended use.
Legal Action Against FanDuel
Terry Thompson has filed a lawsuit against FanDuel in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The suit, supported by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), accuses FanDuel and DraftKings of promoting “unreasonably dangerous products” that exploit gambling addiction. It also targets VIP hosts who allegedly pretended to form friendships with gamblers, sending them gifts like champagne and Super Bowl tickets to encourage continued betting, even after signs of addiction were evident.
Regulatory Context and Potential Implications
The issue highlights ongoing concerns about the ethics of gambling promotions and VIP schemes. Regulators have been increasingly scrutinizing these practices—especially when vulnerable individuals are involved. Cameo’s terms of service explicitly prohibit repurposing videos for advertising, raising questions about compliance and legal ramifications. Whether this incident prompts regulatory changes or further investigations into gambling promotions remains to be seen.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
The lawsuit against FanDuel is expected to proceed in the coming months. Legal proceedings will likely dig into the depths of VIP marketing practices and explore potential breaches of Cameo’s terms. Still, with public and regulatory attention fixed on such cases, the outcome could have broader implications for how gambling operators promote their services in the future.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
