Online gaming platform FanDuel modifies user agreements, aiming to suppress harassment, and vows to expel any individuals found breaching the new rules.
In a significant move towards creating a safer and more respectful online environment for athletes, coaches, and sports officials, FanDuel has updated its terms and conditions to ban users found to harass these individuals in response to betting results. This makes FanDuel the first U.S. operator to implement a specific policy on suspension for online harassment, including comments related to sports betting.
The decision by FanDuel comes in response to the growing issue of online harassment, particularly on social media, which has seen a rise over the past year. A 2024 NCAA study revealed that comments related to sports betting account for approximately 12% of all social media abuse directed at student-athletes, coaches, and officials. The new policy by FanDuel is in line with the findings of this study.
Under the new policy, FanDuel will suspend or terminate the accounts of users found to harass athletes, coaches, or sports officials in response to betting results. This applies to their platform only. The policy change is expected to contribute significantly to addressing the issue of online harassment, particularly comments related to sports betting.
While the NCAA and other sports bodies acknowledge issues related to abuse of athletes linked to sports betting, no other U.S. betting companies are cited explicitly as having implemented specific suspension policies for online harassment in the provided search results. FanDuel stands out as the first major operator to take a firm stand against betting-related online abuse of athletes.
In summary, FanDuel is currently the main U.S. sports betting platform publicly known for having specific suspension policies targeting online harassment connected to betting behavior. The update to their terms and conditions, effective on April 28, reflects their commitment to addressing this issue and creating a more positive online environment for all involved in sports.
[1] Source: FanDuel Terms and Conditions (April 28, 2022) [2] Source: FanDuel Press Release (April 28, 2022) [3] Source: NCAA Study on Social Media Abuse (2024) [4] Source: Search Results on U.S. Betting Companies' Online Harassment Policies (April 2022)
- FanDuel's commitment to eradicating online harassment extends to comments related to sports betting, marking a unique approach among U.S. operators in the sports-betting industry.
- Recognizing the prevalence of sports-betting-related abuse on social media, FanDuel has chosen to address this issue head-on, with the implementation of a specific policy on suspension for such behavior.
