Simmons Apologizes for Illegal Proxy Betting on FanDuel

Key points

• Simmons confessed to using his daughter's boyfriend, Hank, to log into his FanDuel account and place bets in Massachusetts while he was in Los Angeles.
• Proxy betting is prohibited by Massachusetts law and FanDuel’s terms of service, which classify such actions as violations that can lead to account suspension.
• FanDuel voided the bets and reported the matter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), which confirmed it is reviewing the situation.
• Simmons stated he was unaware of the proxy rules and called the incident a 'lesson learned' during a Tuesday podcast episode.
• The incident threatens the exclusive sponsorship relationship between FanDuel and The Ringer, which Simmons founded and which is owned by Spotify.

Background

This incident follows earlier coverage from our archive in early September 2026, which detailed the initial public fallout and the immediate voiding of the bets. The current developments focus on the formal regulatory review and Simmons's public apology.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and NBC News emphasize the regulatory response, noting that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is actively reviewing the matter. Mediaite highlights the potential consequences for the boyfriend, who could be classified as a 'prohibited person' and banned from betting. The New York Post focuses on the financial implications for the FanDuel-Ringer partnership, noting that the admission jeopardizes a multi-million dollar advertising deal. All sources agree that Simmons was unaware of the rules but acknowledge the severity of the violation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the strict enforcement of proxy betting laws in states like Massachusetts and the potential risks for high-profile media figures who engage in sports betting. It also raises questions about the integrity of sponsorships between media outlets and betting companies, as FanDuel is a major partner of The Ringer.

What to watch

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will determine if further action is taken against Simmons or his boyfriend. FanDuel may face regulatory scrutiny for its handling of the account, and the outcome could influence future sponsorship agreements in the sports media industry.