Bill Simmons Proxy Betting Remark Leads to Probe for FanDuel

Sports media personality Bill Simmons has been accused of proxy betting, leading to a probe by the Massachusetts gambling regulator that has now embroiled FanDuel in the saga. FanDuel Gets Dragged Into Probe Because of Proxy Betting Simmons, who is a Californian resident, said he had placed bets through his daughter’s boyfriend, Hank, while in the Golden State. He discussed the matter on The Bill Simmons Podcast with Joe House and Cousin Sal, who are also The Ringer personalities. Since sports gambling is not legal in the state, this would have made his behavior illegal for both the fact that he placed a wager and that he did so through a third party. “I can’t have my daughter do it. My dad would have no idea how to do it. But Hank, I really trust Hank. I let Hank log into my FanDuel as me. I get the code to make sure it’s me on my phone. I give him the code, he logs in, and he’s putting in bets for me, and honestly, it was the closest I’ve ever felt to Hank. It’s a real bonding moment for us,” Simmons said on the podcast, oblivious that it might lead to an actual issue for him or FanDuel. FanDuel specifically accepted the proxy bets, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) alleges, which is why a probe has been opened into the sportsbook. In fairness, FanDuel has voided the wagers. If the MGC decides to take enforcement action against FanDuel, it would be the first time it has done so in relation to proxy betting. So far, the MGC has mostly targeted sportsbooks over prohibited bets. Simmons has since addressed the situation, commenting on how events have panned out. On September 1, he had this to say: “There’s some real rules with this stuff. And now my daughter has to break up with her boyfriend. That was the other thing they ruled. No, I’m kidding. They’re going to stay together, but I did learn.” Simmons Admits Mea Culpa, Jokes and Confirms – He Has Learned His Lesson The fact Simmons never thought twice about revealing that he had a proxy bet, however, is indicative of something different – the normalization of such behavior, which is not necessarily because consumers go out of their way to “cheat” or commit fraud in any way. Rather, it has to do with a lack of awareness, and the fact that proxy betting must be popular in California in the absence of a regulated sportsbook. This should be just another reason for the state to consider pursuing rules on mobile and in-person wagering on mainstream sports. Proxy betting, while reproachable, is still an activity that, in the case of Simmons’, allegedly took place at a regulated sportsbook. Many Californians, however, are not thinking twice before accessing an offshore website that usually lacks consumer protection to place a bet.