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Bill Simmons’ stunning proxy betting total revealed as potential sanctions loom after investigation
Massachusetts gaming regulators are investigating bets placed through Bill Simmons’ FanDuel account while he was in California, where sports betting is not allowed. The case matters because proxy betting is prohibited by both the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and FanDuel, and the commission says it may take further action.
An MGC memorandum says Simmons’ daughter’s boyfriend, Hank, placed 22 bets worth $21,800 in August while in Massachusetts. Simmons said he had given Hank his account login and verification code, and later said he had not known proxy betting was against the rules. FanDuel voided the bets and took action on his account; the commission is considering possible action against Simmons, Hank or FanDuel, which has a major advertising and content partnership with The Ringer.
In short
- Hank placed 22 bets worth $21,800 for Simmons.
- Simmons was in California while the bets were made in Massachusetts.
- Regulators are considering possible action against the people and company involved.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Regulators have a strong case for enforcing rules that require the account holder to place bets personally: proxy betting can weaken identity and location checks, complicate accountability and undermine confidence that wagering controls are applied consistently. Simmons acknowledged sharing his login and verification code, and the commission may reasonably examine whether the rules were followed by him, Hank and FanDuel, while considering any relevant differences in their conduct.
The case against
A fair response should distinguish a deliberate effort to evade safeguards from a rule breach made without understanding the restriction; Simmons said he did not know proxy betting was prohibited. The bets were placed in Massachusetts, where sports betting is allowed, and FanDuel voided them and acted on his account, facts regulators could weigh when deciding whether further sanctions are proportionate and who, if anyone, should be responsible.