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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Anna Betts in New York

US gambling giants face scrutiny over VIP programs: ‘Profits take priority over people’

VIP card and stars spinning into a money black hole.
Since the 2018 supreme court decision, online gambling has become legal in 39 states and DC, with Americans betting approximately $150bn last year. Illustration: Guardian Design

Firms at the heart of the US’s sports betting boom have been accused of encouraging gamblers to chase losses by rewarding high spenders with betting credits, bonuses, gifts and even trips.

In letters obtained by the Guardian, gambling giants told a prominent US senator last year that their controversial VIP programs were “not designed” to prompt frequent bettors to bet more. But problem gambling advocates are skeptical.

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