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On Monday, DraftKings, a well-known sports betting business, came under fire for utilizing the September 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks as part of a marketing effort to promote betting on baseball and football games. On the 22nd anniversary of the attacks, the Boston-based business introduced a promotion called “Never Forget,” providing consumers a parlay with a 9/11 theme that needed three New York-based teams—the Yankees, Mets, and Jets—to win their respective games.
The promotion sparked outrage on social media, with many people finding it insensitive and offensive. DraftKings swiftly removed the promotion and issued an apology. In a statement, the company expressed regret, saying, “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.”
Brett Eagleson, who lost his father, Bruce, in the World Trade Center on 9/11, heads a families and first responders organization called 9/11 Justice. He strongly criticized DraftKings’ promotion, describing it as “tone-deaf” and stating, “It is shameful to use the national tragedy of 9/11 to promote a business. We need accountability, justice, and closure, not self-interest and shameless promotion.”
In addition, DraftKings did not say whether or not the bets placed as a consequence of the offer will be fulfilled or canceled. Sportsbooks profit from parlay bets because they combine numerous games or outcomes into one wager, like the one provided by DraftKings. They play a big role in sports betting by providing bettors with pre-selected combinations known as parlays.
The American legal sports betting market, where DraftKings is a significant player, has grown quickly since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the door for it in 2018. Currently, legal sports betting is available throughout two thirds of the nation.
The debate around DraftKings’ 9/11 promotion has brought to light the fine line that sports betting businesses must walk when balancing marketing possibilities with respect for somber anniversaries and major tragedies.