DraftKings Apologizes for 9/11-Themed Sports Betting Promotions

A recent DraftKings promotion landed the sportsbook giant in hot water this week. The nation’s second-largest sportsbook launched a special 9/11 promotion on Monday, offering a boosted parlay for the Yankees, Mets, and Jets to win on September 11. That already landed them in trouble, but it was made worse by the promotion name, “Never Forget.” The controversial parlay quickly went viral, causing DraftKings to pull it down and issue an apology.

“We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11,” the Boston-based sportsbook wrote. “We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.”

September 11, 2023, was the twenty-second anniversary of the terrorist attack that killed over 3,000 Americans. While the attacks were limited to New York and DC, the impact was felt across the country. After the attack, the “Never Forget” slogan was adopted to recognize and honor the victims and first responders who bravely served their country. Though it has been more than two decades since the attack, the response shows that the wound left by the tragedy has not healed.

DraftKings Error Could Have Long-Lasting Effects

Though the mistake was clearly a result of poor judgment rather than greed, the error could cause significant problems for DraftKings going forward. New York is the largest sports betting market in the country, and the operator has now broken one of their cardinal rules. While they are the second most popular sportsbook in the Empire State, they will be losing a lot of players to the seven other online sportsbooks.

The fallout will extend far beyond New York, as headlines nationwide decried the promotion. Almost every American who was alive during that fateful day can recall exactly where they were, showing the emotional scar it left on the country.

While this is not a death blow for DraftKings, it is a stain on their reputation and will undoubtedly lead to a loss in market share nationwide.