spam_texts · 6 min read

How to Get Paid for Spam Texts from Sportsbooks

Getting a spam text from a sportsbook about a "risk-free bet" or "deposit match" is not just annoying, it could be illegal. Under a federal law called the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), you may be entitled to compensation of $500 for every single unwanted text message you receive. If a court finds the sportsbook sent the messages willfully or knowingly, that amount can triple to $1,500 per text. The rise of online sports betting has led to a surge in aggressive marketing tactics, and many companies cross the legal line. If a betting app is texting you without your explicit permission or after you’ve told them to stop, you have rights. Those unwanted notifications piling up on your phone could represent significant financial compensation.

The TCPA and Sports Betting Texts

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing communications, including calls and text messages. For a company to legally send you marketing texts using an automated system, it must first obtain your "prior express written consent." This is the cornerstone of your protection against betting app spam. This consent must be clear, conspicuous, and unambiguous, meaning you must have knowingly agreed to receive promotional texts specifically. Simply creating an account, placing a bet, or agreeing to a lengthy terms of service document that casually mentions marketing is often not enough to constitute legal consent.

Many sports betting companies operate in a gray area, hoping consumers are unaware of their rights. They might purchase phone number lists from third parties or use aggressive affiliate marketing programs where smaller marketers send texts on their behalf. However, the law is clear: the company whose products or services are being advertised is ultimately responsible for the messages. Why do telemarketers text you? It's often because they believe they can get away with it, but the TCPA gives you the power to hold them accountable for their actions.

What Makes a Sportsbook Text Illegal Spam?

A marketing text from a sportsbook becomes illegal spam under several common circumstances. The most frequent violation is the lack of prior express written consent. If you never explicitly signed up to receive marketing messages from a betting app, any promotional text they send you is likely a violation. This includes texts about special offers, deposit bonuses, odds boosts, or free bets. Even if you have an account with the service, they still need your separate and specific permission to send marketing texts.

Another key factor is the technology used. The TCPA specifically regulates the use of an automated telephone dialing system, or auto dialer. These systems can store or produce telephone numbers to be called using a random or sequential number generator and to dial such numbers. Because of the massive volume of texts sportsbooks send, they almost always use this kind of technology. Therefore, if they use an auto dialer for marketing without your consent, they have broken the law.

Furthermore, even if you did give consent at some point, you always have the right to revoke it. Replying "STOP," "UNSUBSCRIBE," or with similar language is a legally binding request. If the sportsbook continues to send you marketing messages after you've opted out, each subsequent text is a new violation of the TCPA. Companies must honor these requests in a reasonable amount of time, as outlined in our guide on whether "Reply STOP" texts are legal.

How Much Can You Get for a Spam Text from Sportsbook?

The TCPA provides for powerful statutory damages to deter companies from sending spam. For each text that violates the law, you can sue for your actual monetary loss or $500, whichever is greater. Since it is difficult to prove a specific dollar amount of harm from a single text, courts typically award the flat $500 per violation. This can add up quickly if you have received multiple illegal messages from the same sportsbook.

More importantly, if you can prove that the sportsbook sent the illegal texts knowingly or willfully, the law allows the court to triple the damages up to $1,500 per violation. A company that continues to text you after you replied "STOP" is a classic example of a willful violation. This higher penalty exists to punish companies that deliberately ignore consumer rights. This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

These cases can be filed as individual lawsuits or as part of a larger class action against a company with a pattern of sending illegal texts. Many companies choose to settle these lawsuits rather than face a trial, resulting in significant payouts for consumers. You can see examples of this by viewing our TCPA Settlement Tracker, which lists major settlements from companies that violated telemarketing laws.

Real Examples of Illegal Sportsbook Spam Texts

Illegal sportsbook texts often look legitimate, but they may be violating federal law if you never consented to receive them or if you previously unsubscribed. Here are a few examples of what illegal spam text from a sportsbook might look like.

An unexpected offer text sent from a random number:

VictoryLine Wagers: BIG GAME ALERT! Get a 100% deposit match up to $250 when you deposit today. Your next big win is waiting! Bet now: [link]

A text sent long after you have unsubscribed:

ProBet Palace: We miss you! Come back and get a $50 risk-free bet for this weekend's slate. Don't miss out on these unbeatable odds! Reply STOP to opt out.

A message from an affiliate marketer you've never heard of, promoting a major brand:

MobileBettingOffers: Huge news! Eagle Sportsbook is offering boosted odds on tonight's championship fight. Sign up through our exclusive link and get a free $25 bet! [link]

How to Document Illegal Sportsbook Texts

If you believe you are receiving illegal spam texts from sportsbooks, proper documentation is critical to building a successful claim. Vague memories are not enough. you need concrete evidence. The first step is to check your phone for potential violations right now.

Open your text messaging application and use the search function. Look for keywords like "bet," "odds," "bonus," "deposit," "sportsbook," "DraftKings," or "FanDuel." Also, be sure to search for the word "STOP." This can help you find instances where you told a company to stop texting you, which makes any later messages a very strong basis for a claim.

For every potentially illegal text you find, take a clear screenshot. Make sure the screenshot captures three essential pieces of information: the sender's phone number or short code, the full content of the message, and the date and time the message was received. Save these screenshots in a secure folder. Once you have your evidence gathered, you can submit your evidence to SpamClaims.com for a free case review to see if you have a valid case.

Check Your Phone Right Now

Take a moment to check your phone for evidence. It only takes a minute and could be worth thousands of dollars.

Open your messages and search the word STOP.

Did any sportsbook or betting company send you texts after you unsubscribed? Even texts that look helpful and include instructions like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" can be illegal if you never agreed to get them in the first place. Each one of these messages could be a distinct violation of the TCPA, entitling you to compensation.

Submit screenshots at SpamClaims.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting spam texts from sportsbooks?

You may be receiving spam texts from sportsbooks for several reasons. The sports betting industry is highly competitive, and companies use aggressive tactics to acquire new customers. The sportsbook may have obtained your number when you created an account, even if you did not consent to marketing. Alternatively, your number may have been part of a data list that was purchased or shared by the company or one of its many affiliate marketers. These affiliates are paid to generate signups, and some resort to illegal spam texting to reach a wider audience. In any of these cases, the responsibility for the illegal marketing ultimately lies with the company being promoted.

Is it illegal for FanDuel or DraftKings to text me?

It is only legal for companies like FanDuel or DraftKings to send you marketing text messages if they have your prior express written consent. Simply having an account with them or using their app is not sufficient consent under the TCPA. You must have taken a clear, affirmative action to agree to receive promotional texts. If you are receiving FanDuel text messages or DraftKings spam without having given this specific permission, or if they continue texting after you replied "STOP," their actions are likely illegal. Each of those unwanted texts could entitle you to $500 to $1,500 in statutory damages.

What counts as "prior express written consent" for betting apps?

Under the TCPA, prior express written consent is a high standard. It requires an agreement, in writing, that bears the signature of the person being called or texted, which clearly authorizes the sender to deliver advertisements using an automatic telephone dialing system. The agreement must specify the phone number to which the texts may be sent and must state that agreeing to receive such texts is not a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services. For online forms, a checkbox that you click yourself next to clear disclosure language can qualify. However, a pre-checked box or language buried deep within a "Terms & Conditions" link does not count as valid consent.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for spam texts?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act is four years. This means you have four years from the date you received the illegal text message to file a claim. Because spam texts can accumulate over time, it is important to document them as they arrive. Do not delete them. The four-year window applies to each individual violation, so even older texts from a year or two ago may still be actionable. It is always wise to act promptly and consult with an expert to ensure you do not miss the legal deadline for seeking compensation.

TLDR

Submit your spam screenshots for attorney review

This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.