DraftKings apologizes for criticized promo in the Empire State
This week DraftKings has apologized for a sport betting promo that the company had launched in the Empire State. The special offer was a tribute to the people that have fallen during the 9/11 attack.
‘’Never Forget promotion’’
This week DraftKings sportsbook launched a new promo on their website. It was a special offer that promoted a parlay bet in the Empire State. By betting on three New York- based sports team people could opt-in for a boosted odd.
The promotion was called ‘’Never Forget’’ and featured the text ‘’Bet on these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11’’. By betting on the New York Jets (NFL), and the MLB teams (New York Yankees & New York Mets) people could strike a special boosted odd by using the promo.
Misplaced offer
Many people though it was misplaced to use the terrorist attack on 11 September 2001 for the promotion of their sportsbook. Hundreds of people vented their opinion on the social media site X, which was formerly known as Twitter.
During the terrorist attack in 2001 over 3000 people got killed after several planes crashed into important building in New York.
Criticism
Many people went on a rant on X including the The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), an organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the US.
WTF is wrong with you, @DraftKings, that you think making light of 3,000 innocent people being murdered is even remotely appropriate to make a joke?!
When we say #NeverForget, we don’t mean “bet on tonight’s game.” We mean “Never Forget!” pic.twitter.com/tPiFvsIAgt
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) September 11, 2023
DraftKings stops promotion
After the initial storm on social media DraftKings decided to stop the promotion. In a response on X the company apologizes for their misplaced way of tributing the people that have fallen on 9/11.
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.
— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) September 11, 2023
The apology on X already has been seen by over 1.3 million users.
