Fanatics Sportsbook is taking a strong stand against online abuse in sports.
The company has launched a new “Bad Actor Program” in partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and Signify Group. The goal is simple: identify, track, and restrict bettors who harass or threaten athletes, coaches, and officials online.
Fanatics Sportsbook has long been known for its Fair Play Refund Policy, and now is taking a stand against bullies. The Fanatics Online Casino also made news recently when it launched a WWE-style slot machine game.
What Is the Bad Actor Program?
The Bad Actor Program is a new industry initiative designed to hold abusive sports bettors accountable. It combines IC360’s ProhiBet platform with Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service to detect harmful behavior on social media.
Starting with the upcoming football season, the program will monitor public activity across platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. If users post threats or abusive content targeting athletes or teams, they can be flagged and added to a shared database.
Once identified, these individuals may be restricted from placing bets—or banned entirely—by participating sportsbooks.
How the Program Works
The system uses a mix of monitoring, reporting, and enforcement tools to track harmful behavior.
- Signify’s Threat Matrix scans social media for abusive or threatening content tied to sports events.
- Athletes and officials can report abusive direct messages for review.
- Cases are analyzed and escalated if they appear serious or criminal.
- Verified offenders are added to IC360’s ProhiBet Bad Actor platform.
- Sportsbooks can then restrict or block those users from betting.
This creates a closed-loop system where online abuse can lead to real consequences within the legal betting ecosystem.
Fanatics Sets the Tone for Enforcement
Fanatics Sportsbook is the first operator to join the Bad Actor Program—and it is taking a zero-tolerance approach.
The company confirmed it will suspend or permanently ban any customer found engaging in:
- Threats of violence
- Harassment or abuse
- Defamatory behavior toward athletes, coaches, or officials
Fanatics may also share verified offender data with other sportsbooks. This could prevent repeat offenders from simply moving to another platform.
Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, said the program reflects the company’s core values of respect and accountability. He also encouraged other operators to join, stressing that no betting loss should lead to abusive behavior.
Why This Matters for Sports Betting
Online abuse toward athletes has increased in recent years, especially as sports betting grows worldwide. Frustrated bettors sometimes target players or officials after losses, often through social media.
This creates serious risks, including:
- Mental health impacts on athletes
- Damage to sports integrity
- Potential escalation into real-world threats
The Bad Actor Program aims to reduce these risks by linking social behavior to betting privileges. In short, if a bettor crosses the line online, they may lose access to legal sportsbooks.
A Broader Industry Effort
This initiative is not just about one company. It is designed as a shared network that can expand across the industry.
Key features include:
- Shared intelligence between sportsbooks
- Evidence-based reporting for enforcement
- Collaboration with sports leagues and teams
- Potential referrals to law enforcement in severe cases
Scott Sadin, Co-CEO of IC360, noted that rising threats are undermining trust in sports and betting. Meanwhile, Signify Group CEO Jonathan Hirshler emphasized that abuse should never be seen as part of being a fan.
It's Been a Big Year for Fanatics Sportsbook
The announcement follows a series of major moves by Fanatics, including the launch of its new prediction markets platform and a high-profile Super Bowl ad campaign featuring Kendall Jenner. It also comes just months after the company’s FAIR PLAY Policy triggered a record payout during an NFL game, along with the success of Fanatics Fest in New York City, where fans connected directly with top athletes.
The Bad Actor Program will roll out at the start of the football season, with Fanatics leading the way. As more operators join, the system could become a standard tool for regulating bettor behavior.
If widely adopted, this program could reshape how sportsbooks handle customer conduct—making respect and accountability part of the betting experience.
For athletes and teams, it sends a clear message: online abuse will not go unchecked.
