Bryce Harper Denies Giving Permission for FanDuel Video to Problem Gambler

^{Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies reportedly said he was not aware the Cameo video he did would be sent to a FanDuel customer. (Photo: PA Images / Alamy)}

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper addressed the controversy around a video sent to a FanDuel customer, saying that he was unaware of what the message would be used for when he created it.

The video was a Cameo purchase sent from a FanDuel host to a gambler who is now suing FanDuel and other sportsbooks over their retention practices. Harper is seen in the video personally wishing a happy Thanksgiving to a fan named Terry Thompson.

Harper: ‘FanDuel Had No Right’ to Use Video for Gambling Promotion

Harper posted a statement to his Instagram story on Monday during MLB All-Star Game week, saying he was unaware of what the video would be used for when he recorded it and treated it like any other Cameo request.

“In November 2024, someone identifying themselves only as ‘Bryttanni’ submitted an order through Cameo for a personal ‘holiday video for Terry,’” Harper wrote. “Cameo had a separate category for business video requests, and at the time, I did not know this video would be used for commercial purposes.”

According to Harper, he read the short script included with the order, and only later did FanDuel add its logo and use the content for a gambling promotion.

“I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it,” Harper wrote in his statement. “Had I known 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.”

The video shows Harper greeting Terry and says, “Your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special.” While the FanDuel mention has led to suggestions that Harper should have understood what the video was being used for, his script doesn’t mention gambling or any inducement to use any of the company’s products.

NFL, DraftKings Also Among Lawsuit Targets

Thompson filed a lawsuit in March targeting FanDuel, his VIP host, Bryttanni Morgan, DraftKings, the NFL, and Genius Sports (the league's official data distributor). In the lawsuit, he alleges that the sportsbooks intentionally coerced him into continuing to bet even when he had accumulated more than $1.5 million in gambling debt. Thompson also alleges that Morgan offered him free Super Bowl tickets and other perks to keep him as a customer.

Harper is not a party to the lawsuit. MLB rules do allow players to promote sportsbooks, provided they do not allow their name, image, or likeness to promote betting on baseball specifically. ESPN has reported that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is reviewing the video.

FanDuel hasn’t commented on Harper’s claims, but did release a statement after news of Thompson’s lawsuit broke.

“FanDuel is committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting our customers,” the statement, released last Thursday, read. “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.”