Massachusetts Regulator to Review Fairness of VIP Program Terms for DraftKings and FanDuel Players

^{Pictured: Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, MGC}

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is conducting a review of VIP programs offered by major sportsbooks, questioning whether such initiatives treat players fairly, Sports Betting Dime reports.

Leading operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, offer VIP programs that reward “high-value customers” with exclusive perks such as luxury trips, event tickets, betting bonuses, and other incentives. However, those classified as “high-value” are typically bettors who wager large sums and frequently incur significant losses — providing a major portion of operator revenue.

At the same time, the MGC notes that some sportsbooks restrict players who consistently win. There is a growing — albeit unpopular — sentiment that it would make more sense to reward successful bettors, though sportsbooks understandably prefer to focus on their most profitable clients.

MGC’s Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, Mark Vander Linden, commented:

“Research shows that loyalty and VIP programs can encourage individuals who have decided to stop gambling — or those struggling with gambling problems — to return in order to maintain or improve their status. For people trying to reduce or quit gambling, such programs may interfere with that effort.”

The MGC is currently examining how sportsbook VIP programs operate and may introduce additional restrictions, such as:

• Raising the minimum age requirement for VIP status;
• Limiting the number of bonuses available to VIP players within a given period;
• Requiring operators to submit regular reports on complaints related to VIP programs.