Federal and state gaming regulators, lawmakers and attorneys general have launched inquiries into DraftKings and other online sports betting companies following investigative reports by ProPublica and The New York Times.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board tabled DraftKings' license renewal on Oct. 15, granting instead a temporary four-month permit while investigators examine concerns raised in the reports. Board chair Christopher Hebert called ProPublica's reporting "very troubling" and said regulators have a responsibility to examine matters affecting gaming integrity and citizen protections.
Paul Liberman, DraftKings president of operations, told regulators the company does not use artificial intelligence to target losing gamblers. However, Lori Kalani, DraftKings' chief responsible gaming officer, stated the company shut down 175 suspected problem gambler accounts in Louisiana this year.
Ohio regulators proposed an amendment to bar sports betting companies from sending direct advertisements or marketing to bettors for 48 hours after they opt into responsible gaming tools. Andromeda Morrison, interim executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, said ProPublica's story illuminated the issue, though her office had been developing the proposal beforehand.
Three Democratic lawmakers—Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New York Rep. Paul Tonko and North Carolina Rep. Valerie Foushee—sent letters demanding information from major sports betting companies about VIP programs, including enrollment numbers and revenue generated.
New York's attorney general's office contacted former DraftKings employees about issues raised in The New York Times story, according to reporting by that newspaper. Regulators in Maine, Massachusetts and Michigan said they are reviewing related issues involving artificial intelligence and responsible gaming guidelines.