DraftKings apologizes for 9/11 bet on anniversary of terrorist attack
Popular sports betting operator DraftKings has apologized for offering a parlay option that appeared aimed at capitalizing on the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
Nearly 3,000 people died on September 11, 2001, when four passenger airliners were hijacked and three crashed into U.S. buildings (the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon near Washington, DC).
On Sunday, Boston-based fantasy sports and sports betting company DraftKings offered a betting promotion called “Never Forget” that attempted to draw a connection between the anniversary of the tragic event and betting on whether New York sports teams would win that day.
DraftKings gave bettors +651 odds to pick the Mets to win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankees to win over the Boston Red Sox and the Jets to win over the Buffalo Bills as a package deal.
“Bet these New York teams win tonight on 9/11,” reads the ad, which has since been removed (but can still be seen). via screenshots on social media).
In a statement to the Times and other media outlets, DraftKings apologized for the misstep.
“We sincerely apologize for the lecture that was briefly shared in remembrance of 9/11,” the statement said. “We respect the importance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those directly affected.”
The company did not respond to further questions from the Times about the promotion.
