Illinois Man Sues DraftKings After Losing Over $2 Million, Alleging VIP Perks Fueled Addiction

Dane Miller filed a complaint in Chicago federal court on June 24 alleging that DraftKings ignored clear signs of his gambling addiction and instead provided VIP incentives that accelerated his losses beyond $2 million. Miller opened his account in 2020 and was designated a VIP in May 2021, after which the company offered promotions, free bets, deposit matches, and tickets to events including a suite at Soldier Field, according to the complaint reviewed by The Independent.

Miller took out credit card advances, personal loans, and withdrew from his 401(k) to continue betting.

He lost his job in September 2024 after his employer discovered the activity. Two weeks before his October 2024 hospitalization for severe suicidal ideation, DraftKings sent him five separate $200 credits, the complaint states. He was discharged on November 5, 2024, reinstalled the app, completed outpatient treatment in December, and placed his name on Illinois’ self-exclusion list four days before Christmas.

The complaint alleges DraftKings uses personalized algorithms that reinforce illusions of control and encourage loss chasing, timed to moments of emotional vulnerability. Miller, who works in the financial industry, is now married with a young child and has regained employment, his attorney Yvonne Flaherty told The Independent. , and Bally’s Corporation.

A separate 2024 federal lawsuit described similar tactics used on a New Jersey user identified as “Mdallo1990,” who increased monthly bets from under $3,775 to as much as $125,000. DraftKings did not respond to a request for comment, The Independent reported.