US gambling giants face scrutiny over VIP programs: ‘Profits take priority over people’

Sports betting firms claim their programs are not designed' to enable problem bettors - but advocates are skeptical

Firms at the heart of the US's sports betting boom have been accused of encouraging gamblers to chase losses by rewarding high spenders with betting credits, bonuses, gifts and even trips.

In letters obtained by the Guardian, gambling giants told a prominent US senator last year that their controversial VIP programs were not designed" to prompt frequent bettors to bet more. But problem gambling advocates are skeptical.