Firms at the heart of the US’s sports betting boom have been accused of encouraging gamblers to chase losses by rewarding high spenders with betting credits, bonuses, gifts and even trips.
In letters obtained by the Guardian, gambling giants told a prominent US senator last year that their controversial VIP programs were “not designed” to prompt frequent bettors to bet more. But problem gambling advocates are skeptical.
Recent job adverts published by one operator indicate that VIP hosts are expected to encourage gamblers to spend on their employer’s platform. A host at DraftKings is expected to “exceed engagement and service level performance targets” and “assist in reactivation efforts to re-engage inactive users”, according to two postings seen by the Guardian.
