Representative Paul Tonko Calls for Ban on Athletes in Sportsbook VIP Promotions Amid Congressional Scrutiny
U.S. Representative Paul Tonko, alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Valerie Foushee, has expressed significant concern regarding the involvement of athletes in personalized marketing campaigns for sportsbook VIP programs. This congressional scrutiny follows an incident where a personalized video from Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper was sent via Cameo, requested by FanDuel, to a VIP customer in 2024. This customer subsequently sued FanDuel, alleging that the sportsbook exploited his gambling addiction. The lawmakers sent a letter to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), urging them to take corrective action and ban players from participating in such promotions. The MLBPA has since responded, indicating support for banning players from appearing in marketing content for VIP programs and suggesting that restrictions could be added to its next collective bargaining agreement with MLB. The union also proposed joint restrictions on pr... 
