Fanatics Sportsbook has taken a definitive step in clamping down on online abuse of athletes, partnering with IC360 and Signify Group to introduce the “Bad Actor Program.” This initiative, which rolls out as tensions around sportsbook-related harassment mount, aims to track and identify bettors who harass athletes, coaches, and officials on social media. using AI monitoring, this program can suspend or permanently ban users and share incriminating evidence with law enforcement.
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Fanatics Leads Industry Initiative
Fanatics Betting and Gaming CEO Matt King announced the sportsbook’s commitment to the program, emphasizing accountability for abusive bettors. “There is no sports betting potential loss that should embolden a customer to threaten or harass an athlete online,” King stated. Fanatics, the first legal sports betting operator to implement the program, is rolling out the initiative in time for the upcoming football season, urging other operators to join the effort. Collaborating with Signify Group’s Threat Matrix, IC360 will monitor social media platforms for harassment aimed at athletes and coaches. Abusive accounts will be flagged within IC360’s ProhiBet Bad Actor platformβa tool built to help sportsbooks shut down accounts linked to harassment.
Alarming Rise in Digital Harassment
Sports-related harassment has been spiraling, both at college and professional levels. NCAA research indicated that sports betting was behind 12% of abusive social media posts flagged during recent collegiate events. Such behavior isn’t confined to amateurs; professionals are equally targeted. In 2025, Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. faced online death threats directed at his family, while Cleveland Cavaliers (now Detroit Pistons) head coach J.B. Bickerstaff reported receiving threats targeting his children. The situation reached Canadian fans when Toronto Blue Jays utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa experienced a deluge of hate messages after a pivotal error in a 2025 World Series game. Some fans speculated the hostility stemmed more from financial losses tied to betting than from fan loyalty.
Under-Regulated Threats and an Industry in Flux
Fanatics Sportsbook isn’t just tracking abusive behaviorβthey’re looking to address it head-on before it further undermines the integrity of sports betting. Still, co-CEO of IC360, Scott Sadin, pointed to the growing threat felt by athletes and coaches, saying, βAddressing the individuals with ProhiBet BA and Threat Matrix is key to protecting athletes and other stakeholders from serious, long-term harm.β
As the gambling sector grapples with these challenges, the industryβs regulators are slowly catching up. But historically, regulatory bodies have been slow to act on evolving digital harassment issues. But increasing incidents like those involving Kiner-Falefa and McCullers highlight the pressing need for broad solutions.
Next Steps in Tackling Harassment
Fanatics Sportsbook’s program is just the start, as the groundwork lays a foundation for industry-wide adoption. With the proficiency of IC360 and Signify Group, the Bad Actor Program sets a precedent. Other operators are encouraged to participate, and the focus now shifts to integration and enforcement. The response from regulators and industry peers will be key in determining if this will be a lasting solution or just a fleeting attempt.
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.
