BetMGM Bans Sports Bettors Who Harass Athletes Online

Athletes who lose games shouldn't have to fear for their families' safety, but that's become a frightening reality as sports betting explodes across America.

BetMGM just launched its "Athlete Anti-Harassment Policy," giving the betting operator power to suspend or permanently ban any customer who threatens, abuses, or harasses athletes, coaches, or officials. The move comes as professional athletes increasingly speak out about frightening messages flooding their inboxes after games.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito told a podcast last summer that he gets angry messages after every game, even wins, from bettors mad about prop bet outcomes. He raised the issue directly with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. faced an even darker situation when a man overseas allegedly made death threats against his family after losing money on a bet. Police identified the suspect, who was reportedly drunk when he sent the messages. The Astros had to hire security for McCullers and his family.

"She asked me, 'Daddy, like, what is threats? Who wants to hurt us?'" McCullers said about explaining the situation to his five-year-old daughter.

Rhea Loney, BetMGM's chief compliance officer, drew a clear line between fan passion and unacceptable behavior. "Harassment of athletes being tied to betting outcomes is not something any of us should accept," she explained. "When it comes to threats, abuse, intimidation, that's just different."

The policy works because legal sportsbooks know exactly who their customers are. Every bettor must provide their name, address, and email to register, making investigations possible when complaints come in.

The Ripple Effect

This policy represents the first major step by the betting industry to hold customers accountable for athlete harassment. Athletes, teams, law enforcement, or state regulators can report threats through BetMGM's customer service or an anonymous hotline.

When BetMGM identifies a harasser with an account, they'll face real consequences ranging from suspension to permanent bans. The company may also work with regulators and law enforcement depending on the severity of threats.

Loney emphasized that the platform doesn't matter. Whether threats come through social media direct messages, in person, or other channels, BetMGM will investigate. Racial slurs, threats of violence, and abuse over game scores won't be tolerated.

"We don't want them to be a customer of ours because they are undermining the integrity of the game," Loney said.

The policy sends a message that betting on sports doesn't give anyone license to terrorize the humans playing them.