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In the world of sports betting, sometimes the line between what's acceptable and what's downright offensive can blur. Case in point: DraftKings Sportsbook's recent promotional parlay that struck a nerve with many on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11.
DraftKings, one of the major players in the sports betting industry, decided it was a good idea to offer a parlay bet called the "Never Forget" parlay. Sounds patriotic, right? Well, here's the kicker, they wanted you to bet on three New York City teams - the Mets, Yankees, and Jets - to each win on September 11th, 2023, with the audacious tagline, "Bet these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11."
Multiple s spotted this promotion, screenshotted it, and shared it on social media, causing an uproar across the internet. DraftKings, sensing the blowback, pulled the promotion down like a quarterback avoiding a sack. But the damage was done, and the apology they trotted out felt more like a "my bad" than a sincere mea culpa. They even had the audacity to say, "We apologize for any insensitivity in the initial posting of the 'Never Forget' parlay."
DraftKings issues an apology for their 'Never Forget' parlay
Oh, I'm sure you're sorry, DraftKings, but let's call it what it is: a tone-deaf attempt to cash in on a national tragedy. And it's not surprising that folks took to social media to rip the company apart. In an age where everything is scrutinized and canceled faster than you can say "touchdown," companies should know better.
It's a shame that some in the gambling industry lack the basic decency to recognize the significance of certain dates in American history. But hey, as they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity, right? Well, DraftKings may be rethinking that after the storm they kicked up with their 'Never Forget' parlay debacle.
So, here's a tip for DraftKings and anyone else in the gambling business: next time, read the room, and think twice before trying to profit off of national tragedies. It's just good business sense, folks.