DraftKings Gave VIP Treatment After Reporter Showed Problem Gambling Patterns
A ProPublica reporter intentionally wagered recklessly, losing thousands in a day, and was invited by DraftKings to try out for its VIP program. Over ten weeks, the reporter placed many bets, including hundreds of blackjack rounds in a weekend, while promotions and product features encouraged continued play. The article argues responsible-gambling warnings were ineffective against incentives to keep betting.
A ProPublica journalist set out to mimic disordered gambling and quickly lost $1,800 in a single night by increasing wagers after setbacks. The following day, DraftKings asked him to try out for its VIP program. Across ten weeks, he placed many bets, including roughly 500 blackjack hands in one weekend—about half his total wagers.
After roughly $12,500 in losses over six weeks, he used DraftKings' responsible-gaming controls to cap app time at two hours daily and deposits at $100 per day. Within half an hour, the company sent marketing notifications. The article ties this to a broader policy fight over online gambling since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling let states legalize sports betting.
This account may intensify scrutiny of how betting platforms balance profit with harm prevention. Regulators, lawmakers, and consumers could cite it in debates over VIP programs, promotions, and self-imposed limits. People prone to gambling harm may face greater risk if safeguards are easily overridden by marketing. The story could also push operators to adjust practices, though effects depend on enforcement, public response, and whether policymakers act.