Commission says it will review VIP practices after media report involving DraftKings; FanDuel response described as 'boilerplate'

Commissioner Jim Broder (identified in the transcript as Commissioner Broder) told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that staff and commissioners will examine operator VIP programs after a Philadelphia Inquirer report describing contact between DraftKings and a Philadelphia Phillies player and interactions involving a FanDuel VIP with responsible-play concerns.

"The response was kind of boilerplate, so I have had the opportunity to discuss it briefly with our sports wagering folks, and it's going to be part of our inquiry and report back to the commission on VIP practices and our consideration of those," Broder said.

Broder said he and staff attended a conference in San Diego where he raised the topic with operator representatives and that the issue will be folded into the commission's ongoing review of VIP programs. The transcript records Broder referencing a Philadelphia Inquirer article but the commission did not provide details from that story at the meeting. Broder's remarks note that FanDuel offered a general response to inquiries; commissioners did not vote or take formal enforcement action during this session.

The commission asked staff in several places during the meeting to prepare briefings and to return regulatory items for further consideration at future meetings. Broder said the VIP-practices matter will be part of that continuing staff work and that commissioners should expect a follow-up report to the commission.