Fanatics Sportsbook has formed a “groundbreaking” partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and Signify Group to launch a new Bad Actor Program, which allows operators to restrict wagering by those who threaten athletes and coaches.
“This groundbreaking program will hold bettors accountable for threats made against players, coaches and officials. It falls in line with our core values at Fanatics – respect and tolerance for the athletes and coaches that play the games that we love,” Fanatics Betting and Gaming CEO Matt King said.
“We encourage other operators to join the initiative because there is no sports betting potential loss that should embolden a sports betting customer to threaten or harass an athlete online.”
IC360 will collaborate with Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service to monitor for targeted abusive and threatening content across multiple social media platforms by the start of the National Football League (NFL) season.
Co-CEO Scott Sadin spoke on the impact of IC360’s new Program, having said, “Threats of violence and harassment in sports at arenas and on social media are increasing at an alarming rate, undermining the integrity of the sports betting industry.
“Addressing the individuals with ProhiBet BA and Threat Matrix is crucial to protecting athletes and other stakeholders from serious, long-term harm.”
If problematic abuse and threats are sent to athletes, organizations or teams through open source social media, the individuals behind those accounts will then be placed into IC360’s ProhiBet Bad Actor platform.
Athletes and officials will be encouraged to report abusive direct messages directly, where Signify will analyze the reports, assess their severity and escalate serious cases to its in‑house specialists for detailed investigation.
As the first legal sports betting member of the Program, Fanatics Sportsbook agreed to suspend or permanently terminate an account if it's been determined they have engaged in abusive, threatening, defamatory or harassing conduct toward sports officials, coaches or athletes.
Earlier this month, Fanatics launched its new Fanatics One loyalty program for users of its prediction markets platform, allowing bettors to earn up to 10% in FanCash on every trade, which can be used for merchandise, tickets, collectibles and future wagers.
Fanatics Betting and Gaming expanded its NASCAR marketing through a two-race sponsorship agreement with New York Racing Team on June 3, featuring branding on the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet
