US sports betting operators rally around stricken NFL star
Bookmakers including DraftKings and FanDuel offer support for Damar Hamlin as NFL mulls game replay date
US sportsbook and daily fantasy sports operators have offered their support to Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin following his suspected cardiac arrest during the Bills game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Damar Hamlin
Hamlin collapsed during Monday Night Football, with the game later suspended with just five minutes left on the clock. He remains in a critical condition at nearby University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
The suspension of the game left several sportsbooks scrambling to address customer inquiries relating to unsettled bets.
Confusion arose from the treatment of the game in accordance with operator terms and conditions and its potential resumption at a later date.
We are monitoring tonight’s game between the Bills and Bengals. When an official decision is made regarding the status of the game, we will assess the situation and communicate accordingly. Our thoughts are with Damar Hamlin and his family
— DraftKings CX Team (@DK_Assist) January 3, 2023
We ask for patience regarding all bets on the Bills @ Bengals game tonight. We’ll update all customers as soon as possible and additional guidance regarding the game is provided by the NFL. Right now, all thoughts and prayers from BetMGM are with Damar Hamlin and his family.
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) January 3, 2023
In the absence of guidance, many operators offered their support to the stricken NFL star and his family, with some choosing to void bets on the game and return all wagers to affected bettors.
— Tipico Sportsbook (@tipico) January 3, 2023
— Caesars Sportsbook Support (@CaesarsHelp) January 3, 2023
On Tuesday, the NFL issued a statement surrounding the continuation of the game, asserting that it could still be replayed.
“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association,” the NFL said.
“After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed this week.
“The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date,” the governing body added.
In the wake of the statement, additional bookies decided to void bets, including US market leader FanDuel, which had previously been waiting for league confirmation.
— FanDuel Customer Support (@FanDuel_Support) January 3, 2023
— BetMGM Customer Support (@BetMGMSupport) January 3, 2023
In tandem with their sportsbook counterparts, fantasy sports operators including Yahoo Sports! provided players with a confirmed update on the treatment of the game in the immediate aftermath of the games suspension.
NFL fans have rallied around Hamlin, with more than $3m donated to the NFL star’s toy drive which provides toys to children in his hometown since his collapse on Monday night. In addition, all 32 teams have changed their Twitter profile pictures to messages of support for the Buffalo Bills star.