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FanDuel has revealed how it identifies cases of problem gambling among its users, with the details published on its “Fast Facts” page. The details explain how the operator flags problem play, its safeguards against underage gambling, and statistics on vendor spending.
Notably, the move comes amid growing pressure from three members of Congress demanding “real answers” about its player protections and VIP program. However, while the Fast Facts page goes into detail about consumer protections, it doesn’t address the VIP program.
How FanDuel spots problem gambling
FanDuel says that it uses machine learning to help spot signs of problem gambling. “We use machine learning and risk scoring to monitor behavioral patterns like unusual deposits, excessive time on site, chasing losses, and concerning customer service interactions,” the company said on the Fast Facts page.
The operator further says that a team of trained professionals reviews every flagged user manually. Whether a user is at risk of gambling harm is determined based on set criteria.
“Beyond the tools customers use themselves, FanDuel’s Responsible Gaming team proactively monitors a wide range of behavioral indicators across the platform, including deposit and withdrawal history, increases in wager size, canceled withdrawals, and statements customers make through our in-app chat that suggest distress or a gambling problem,” Cory Fox, FanDuel’s senior vice president of public policy and sustainability, explained earlier in August in response to the congressional concerns.
FanDuel reports that it conducted 58,000 manual responsible gambling reviews in 2025. Depending on the manual reviews’ outcomes, the operator may provide the affected users with responsible gambling education, place limits on their accounts, or exclude them from the platform. Moreover, at-risk users are also connected to free mental health resources via partners like Kindbridge Behavioral Services.
“When our team identifies risk, we proactively respond with actions ranging from educational outreach to a mandatory limit, to a temporary suspension, to permanent exclusion,” wrote Fox. Fox also added that any user who admits to a gambling problem is permanently excluded from all of the operator’s products, noting that FanDuel has a policy to not encourage affected users to return.
Interestingly, while FanDuel uses AI and machine learning to help with player protection, online casino operators are drawing controversy over how they use the same technologies to target promotions. Notably, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is currently reviewing how every operator in the state uses the technologies.
What sports betting stats say
FanDuel has cited several studies to try to demonstrate that sports betting isn’t exactly a public health concern. It notes that only 2% of bettors wager daily, citing a study published in the Journal of Financial Literacy and Wellbeing. 84% bet once a month or less, 9% bet weekly, and 5% bet a few times a week.
According to the operator, this data correlates with its own data. Most notably, FanDuel notes that the average sportsbook user deposits less than once per week.
The operator also cites a 2025 study by NerdWallet showing that the average sports bettor in America spends about $63 a month on betting. It then compares that figure to the $329 that the average American spends dining out per month, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Moreover, it cites its own data, which shows that the average same-game parlay bet is about $14, with 90% of the bets being $30 or less and 60% being $5 or less.
Moreover, FanDuel compared its user registration process to opening a bank account, noting that all users must provide their name, date of birth, and Social Security number, followed by a thorough identity verification process. The operator also notes that it has a “zero tolerance” policy for accounts used for underage and proxy betting, saying that it reports cases to regulators and law enforcement as required.
Congressional pressure
FanDuel has been under increasing pressure from three lawmakers for concerns about its VIP program and player protections. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) have accused the operator of using predatory promotions following a controversial video sent to a VIP player with severe gambling addiction.
“FanDuel should not be using reckless and unscrupulous loyalty programs to drive bettors into debt and addiction. As such, we strongly demand that FanDuel end its VIP program for bettors, especially those suffering from a gambling addiction, on its platform,” the lawmakers wrote.
FanDuel has released statements responding to the lawmakers’ concerns. It has also taken other measures to protect players, including extending its partnership with GeoComply, the company responsible for ensuring that it complies with local regulations.
However, the three lawmakers wrote in September that they are unconvinced that the operator is taking enough measures to protect its customers. Moreover, they demanded “real answers” about the VIP program and customer protections.
