Sports betting company DraftKings has issued an apology after facing backlash for using the September 11, 2001 terror attacks to promote their betting on baseball and football games. The promotion, titled “Never Forget,” required three New York-based teams – the Yankees, Mets, and Jets – to win their games on the anniversary of the tragedy. After receiving criticism on social media, DraftKings took down the promotion and expressed their apologies.
The company stated, “We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11. We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected.”
Bret Eagleson, who lost his father in the World Trade Center attack, commented on the promotion, calling it “tone-deaf” and stating that it was shameful to use a national tragedy for business promotion.
DraftKings has not disclosed the number of people who placed bets as a result of the offer or whether those bets will be canceled.
As one of the leading companies in legal sports betting in the U.S., DraftKings has seen significant growth since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on sports betting in 2018. Approximately two-thirds of the country now offers legal sports betting.
It’s worth noting that bundled wagers, such as the one offered by DraftKings, are highly profitable for sportsbooks, and preselected combinations, known as parlays, are an important aspect of sports betting.
