Congress pushes MLB to tighten sportsbook endorsement rules after Harper video misuse

Three members of Congress have formally asked Major League Baseball and the players union to overhaul policies that allow athletes to endorse sportsbooks, after a video featuring Phillies star Bryce Harper was reportedly used by FanDuel to lure an addicted bettor, Terry Thompson. The lawmakers argue that current MLB rules permit such endorsements so long as they do not directly promote betting on baseball, yet they can still be exploited for personalized VIP marketing that harms vulnerable fans.

Their three-page letter, signed by Richard Blumenthal, Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee, poses five specific questions about the future of gambling partnerships, fan protection, and player education, demanding written answers by Aug. 24. The incident has also sparked legal commentary suggesting Harper could sue FanDuel for false endorsement and invasion of privacy. The issue arises amid ongoing collective-bargaining talks that began in May and will run until the current agreement expires on Dec. 1. FanDuel responded by emphasizing its responsible-gaming policies, while the broader industry faces scrutiny over its ties to major sports leagues.