DraftKings has apologised after using 9/11 as a promotional theme on the anniversary of the terrorist attack that killed nearly 3,000 people.
The US operator went live with a parlay called Never Forget, which encouraged users to bet on three New York sports teams – the Yankees, Mets and Jets – to win on the 22nd anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy.
How is DraftKings promoting this on the front page??? This is insane behavior pic.twitter.com/q9D7p4Ioj7
DraftKings apologised following outcry from users on social media, who complained the promo was “tone deaf” and in “poor taste”.
The Boston-based company wrote: “We sincerely apologise for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11.
JUST IN: The New York State Gaming Commission just sent me this response to the "Never Forget" parlay offer DraftKings had posted on its app for some time late yesterday. pic.twitter.com/XYYhGkd21s
“We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.”
The promo was also described as “reprehensible” by the New York State Gaming Commission after the regulator was contacted by Gambling.com Group writer Steve Bittenbender.
“We expect all licensees to exercise sensitivity,” it added.
Listen, I certainly hope someone at DK lost their job today but this is certainly not something regulators need to spend time on. They aren't arbiters of taste.
The US operator went live with a parlay called Never Forget, which encouraged users to bet on three New York sports teams – the Yankees, Mets and Jets – to win on the 22nd anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy.
The promo was also described as “reprehensible” by the New York State Gaming Commission after the regulator was contacted by Gambling.com Group writer Steve Bittenbender.
