FanDuel Takes Flak for Offering VIP Gamblers a Family Trip to the Zoo

FanDuel Sportsbook is facing criticism after reportedly rewarding its top gamblers with a family outing to the Philadelphia Zoo.

According to a report by The Philadelphia Inquirer, FanDuel extended a VIP perk to some of its high-volume gamblers, letting them bring their kids to the zoo’s annual Halloween event, “Boo at the Zoo.” A digital flyer obtained by the paper advertised “family entertainment” and “VIP treatment for all ages” including complimentary parking, lunch, and snacks for the sportsbook’s best customers and up to three guests.

FanDuel said in a statement that it is not a sponsor of ‘Boo at the Zoo’ and that it purchased tickets through normal channels to give customers the option of attending. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is reportedly looking into the sportsbook’s betting perk.

Offering “VIP treatment for all ages” is just one more way gambling companies can normalize sports betting.

Sports betting is legal to varying degrees in most states — including Arkansas, where people are on track to wager nearly a billion dollars on sports alone this year. But sportsbooks have come under scrutiny for using aggressive marketing that may appeal to problem gamblers, teens, and others who may be at risk for gambling disorders.

Researchers have repeatedly voiced concerns about sports betting advertisements that aggressively target young adults. Some platforms have been accused of hiring social media influencers to record deceptive videos appealing to young gamblers. A report from Common Sense Media found that among teen boys exposed to gambling content online, 59% said the content appeared in their feeds without them even looking for it.

Gambling disorder diagnoses have spiked in states with legalized sports betting. Studies have found people who gamble on sports may be twice as likely to suffer from gambling problems. In fact, a 2025 survey found one in four sports bettors worry that they cannot control their gambling.

Legalized gambling has become a serious problem nationwide — including Arkansas. Tax revenue from sports betting has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy. As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, it’s important for Arkansas to protect citizens and families from predatory gambling. Otherwise, problem gambling will simply hurt more and more people in our state.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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