Fanatics Announces New Program To Crack Down on Abuse

The abuse of athletes by angry bettors remains a significant problem in the US, but Fanatics Sportsbook is looking to change that.

The operators announced the launch of the Bad Actor Program (BAP) following a partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 and Signify Group. The new initiative will help monitor social media for targeted abuse against athletes, staff, and officials. Those who are targeted will also be able to submit threats or abuse received via private messaging.

In addition to identifying abusive bettors, BAP will also share the information with all major online sportsbooks. That will allow operators to ban bettors, stopping them from simply switching to a new platform.

While Fanatics is the only sportsbook partner for BAP, it hopes industry rivals will also join.

“As the first legal sports betting operator to join the initiative, Fanatics Sportsbook has committed to suspending or permanently terminating customer accounts where evidence demonstrates abusive, threatening or harassing conduct towards athletes, coaches or officials,” a press release from Signify Group reads. 

Program Offers Critical Help

Those targeted by angry bettors can also reach out to law enforcement. However, that process can take longer, and obtaining convictions can be difficult. That leads some to worry their complaints won’t yield results and could even make the situation worse. 

BAP provides an alternative route that can deliver results faster. By using AI, investigations can be conducted more quickly, eliminating hours of legwork for law enforcement and other agencies. 

While the program can’t arrest violators, it will share the evidence uncovered with law enforcement. However, it will also send the suspected abuser’s information to state regulators, governing bodies, teams, and more. That will result in sports betting bans and could prevent guilty parties from attending games involving their victims. 

Landing a sports betting operator, Fanatics, was a big win for the BAP. The operator’s sportsbooks have become one of the most popular platforms in the US. It has also launched a prediction platform that includes sports markets. This gives BAP a partner in both rival industries, expanding its coverage right from the start.