Bryce Harper Comments on FanDuel Video to VIP Bettor

• The Philadelphia Inquirer recently reported Bryce Harper sent a personalized video to a FanDuel VIP customer who eventually lost nearly $2 million on the sportsbook platform
• Harper today released a statement in which he said the video was a purchased Cameo from a FanDuel employee
• Harper said he has no affiliation with FanDuel and would not have recorded the video if he had known the backstory of why the video was being sent to the user

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In a released statement, Bryce Harper, a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, is claiming he did not know a personalized Cameo video he filmed in 2024 would be sent to a FanDuel customer with an alleged gambling problem who reportedly lost millions with the sportsbook platform.

According to a Philadelphia Inquirer report from Thursday, July 9, a FanDuel VIP host sent the personalized Harper video to customer Terry Thompson in November 2024, who allegedly lost $1.5 million on the platform over the course of several years. Thompson allegedly received the video as part of a perk for being a member of FanDuel’s VIP sports betting program. The Inquirer received a copy of the video from Thompson’s lawyer, who filed a lawsuit against both FanDuel and DraftKings earlier this year, alleging the companies used their games and VIP programs to keep Thompson gambling despite an obvious addiction.

Harper released a public comment on the incident today for the first time, reporting that he never knew the video would be used for a commercial purpose. He also posted the Cameo contract he received from the FanDuel rep on his personal Instagram account.

Harper Claims No Affiliation With FanDuel

Harper released a statement on the video today, which you can read below. The MLB All-Star noted in his statement that a FanDuel rep contracted him to record a “personal holiday video,” but did not fully explain what it would be used for.

Harper reported he would not have recorded the Cameo video for Thompson if he had known the backstory of why the video was being sent to the user. He also included the Cameo order form, which shows the reps requested message to Thompson.

“Had I know FanDuel’s true intent, I would not have made the video. The same is true had I known anything about Terry or his situation, or about any alleged ‘partnership’ between Cameo and FanDuel. Contrary to the Inquirer’s suggestion, I did not know the Cameo video would be used for a FanDuel VIP promotion, and I have no affiliation with FanDuel whatsoever,” Harper said.

VIP programs from sports betting companies typically provide high-playing customers with their own personal sportsbook or gaming hosts. These hosts can provide the VIP users with free merchandise, promotional bets, and even free tickets to events in exchange for their loyalty to the platforms. In the Inquirer’s report, FanDuel allegedly provided Thompson with a number of perks, including free tickets to a recent Super Bowl.

Bryce Harper released a statement on the FanDuel video and Inquirer article, saying it was a cameo under a different name. FanDuel then put their logo on the video. pic.twitter.com/LWkT5V7fHp

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) July 13, 2026

When asked for comment, a FanDuel spokesperson pointed Sports Betting Dime to the following statement the company released last week.

“FanDuel is committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting our customers. Unlike illegal offshore sportsbooks, FanDuel employees are trained to recognize and flag signs of problem gambling and offer resources and tools, and we continue to review and strengthen our policies to ensure we have the industry’s strongest consumer protection initiatives.”

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Will Look Into Video

The Philadelphia Inquirer published the initial story last week, sharing a 21-second video featuring FanDuel branding of Harper wishing Thompson and his son a happy Thanksgiving. Harper said the following in the video:

“Hey Terry, what’s up brother. Your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special. So I just wanted to hop on here and wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell (Thompson’s son) I said hello. I appreciate all the support through the years, and I just hope you have a great day. Enjoy it and let’s see you soon. Bye.”

Harper never mentions sports betting in the video but does reference the video is at the request of a FanDuel host.

According to the Inquirer, Thompson wagered $18.5 million with FanDuel, losing $1.5 million in the process, beginning in 2020. Thompson’s lawyer filed a lawsuit against FanDuel and DraftKings and provided the Inquirer with a copy of the video from Harper.

The Inquirer reported the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will review the video.