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13/ Kalani also said the “system worked the way it was supposed to” for me. I didn’t qualify for a manual review, despite depositing $21,600 into my account in eight weeks. When I asked her if DraftKings ever *did* cut people off, this is what I got:

Article excerpt: Overall, “the system worked the way it was supposed to” in my case, Kalani said. The range of behaviors and indicators that DraftKings scans for that trigger closing or manually reviewing an account didn’t ping for me, she said.

While I often played late into the night, I wasn’t playing in the wee-est hours, between 1:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., she said.

I found this response revealing, though perhaps not in the way she’d intended it to be. I’d deposited $21,600 into my account in less than eight weeks, exhibiting just about every sign of compulsive gambling there is, according to my expert consultants. By DraftKings’ metrics, I didn’t even register for a manual review. Kalani had told me that the company was motivated to retain customers who were betting “within their means and can sustain their own entertainment.”

So I asked Kalani straight up: Does DraftKings ever cut somebody off purely based on their betting history and not because they’ve disclosed that they’ve got a problem? “Yes, we do that all the time,” she told me. She repeated the same answer when I asked her how often. I pressed again, and a spokesperson interjected, telling me he could take the question as a follow-up. I checked in later, but the company told me that “we do not share the specific number of closures.”

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11/ Finally, I decided to set in-app limits on how much I could deposit and how much time I could spend on the app. I then received the first of four promotional push alerts just half an hour later.

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10/ By late May, I was waving all the red flags of a compulsive gambler and had gambled away thousands. Yet the only pushback I got from DraftKings was “responsible gaming” prompts that required me to opt in — prompts that were easily swept away.

Alert reads, “Took a loss? Now take a beat. A big loss can throw off more than your game plan. Take time to regroup if you need it. Check out My Stat Sheet to set a limit or just see where you’re at.” A green button with text: “My Stat Sheet.” A black button below reads “Maybe Later.”

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9/ A month in, I was betting so much that DraftKings’ quick-tap deposit buttons had increased to $500, $750 and $950, making it even easier to mindlessly transfer money into my account. I was also getting pummeled with push alerts inviting me to bet more.

A pile of phone notifications from DraftKings layered on top of one another. Each notification offers a promotion or boost.

A dropdown menu reads “Deposit” and shows dollar amounts for $500, $750, $950 and Other, along with a “Slide to Deposit” button.

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7/ An expert explained that losers like me are the bettors that sports betting companies are most interested in. A small group accounts for a large portion of revenue. And what keeps losers loyal? VIP programs. The more you bet, the more you get: free bets/swag/fancy dinners.

Screenshot of article from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Headline reads: FanDuel sent a personal message from Phillies star Bryce Harper to a customer with a gambling addiction.

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5/ With ProPublica bankrolling me, I opened my account in April. I waved my first red flag during a Knicks game by loss chasing, or attempting to recoup my continued losses by making more and bigger bets. Soon, I was already down ~$2K — most of it blown in one night.

A vertical line chart tracking ProPublica reporter Jake Pearson’s net losses and gains for the first 16 bets on DraftKings. By April 24 at 12:12 a.m., Pearson had a net loss of $1,710.

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2/ Why now? More people are betting on sports than ever. But as the industry soars close to $17B in revenue, calls to gambling helplines have also skyrocketed.

Article excerpt: Since 2018, when the Supreme Court allowed states to legalize sports betting, Americans have put more than $600 billion into play. Sports betting is now legal in 39 states and Washington, D.C. Add in prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, and more people are betting on sports than ever before.

That explosive growth has come with consequences: About a quarter of active sportsbook account holders surveyed by the Siena Research Institute this year said that they’d lost enough on a bet that they’d have trouble meeting their financial obligations. As a result, regulators and lawmakers from Colorado to Massachusetts are starting to question whether things have gone too far — and some are now proposing stricter consumer protections.

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 23/09/2026

Hey, ProPublica reporter Jake Pearson here. I’m taking over the account to tell you about my new story. For months, I posed as a problem gambler on DraftKings to test the company's "responsible gaming" safeguards. Spoiler alert: They made me a VIP — and I lost $10K. Here's how it all went down. 🧵

Selfie taken by ProPublica reporter Jake Pearson, a man wearing a backwards baseball cap and an orange T-shirt.

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Have Your SNAP Benefits Ever Been Stolen? Help ProPublica Investigate. We need your help to report on EBT theft. Please share our flyer or this link with others in your community who’ve found their SNAP benefits disappeared: propub.li/3TH6xoa

Flyer titled "Were your SNAP benefits stolen?" Text reads: Have your SNAP benefits ever gone missing? You may have been a victim of EBT theft. ProPublica, an investigative newsroom, is reporting on the widespread issue of electronic benefit transfer theft. We want to know: How did this affect you? Did you report the issue and, if so, was anything done? What questions do you have about EBT theft? Share your experience. Fill out the form at propublica dot org slash ebt theft. Email reporters at safety net at propublica dot org. Background illustration shows a hand and a shadow hand below it reaching for a green grocery bag labeled SNAP.

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Who paid for Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding weekend festivities? A Russian oligarch. 🗓️ Join us tomorrow, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. ET to learn how we uncovered this secret benefactor: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddin…

Graphic titled "Bankrolled: How a Russian Oligarch Funded Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding Weekend." Text below reads: Wednesday, Sept. 23. 4 p.m. Eastern time. An image on the right shows dozens of people in a group wedding photo on a beach, including Donald Trump Jr.; his wife, Bettina; and Tiffany Trump. An arrow points to Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, labeled as "Don Jr.'s secret benefactor," in the back row.

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20/ Collins’ deputy chief of staff said that her office “vigorously” denies allegations of bribery and pay-for-play made by Kao, that Collins’ campaign was not part of the discussions between Kao and the super PAC, and that her office “fully cooperated” with the FBI.

Collins’ office did not specifically address questions about the Corner Bakery meeting, the senator’s relationship with Kao and the millions she helped appropriate for Navatek.

Annie Clark, Collins’ deputy chief of staff, told ProPublica in an email that Collins’ office “vigorously” denies allegations of bribery and pay-for-play made by Kao, calling his claims “outlandish.” Collins’ campaign was not part of the discussions between Kao and the super PAC, and her office “fully cooperated” with the FBI investigation, Clark said.

“The fact that the FBI and Biden-led Department of Justice thoroughly examined the Navatek matter demonstrates this,” Clark wrote. “These issues were resolved in 2021 and concluded when the Collins campaign disgorged the illegal contributions that Martin Kao had made without our knowledge.”

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12/ Here’s a crazy part: Kao told the FBI that the company’s government work was of no real value. Its research under his stewardship resulted in products Navatek knew the military would never buy, former employees said. One example: This 3D-printed boat Collins is posing with 👇

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6/ Weeks later, Kao tells his team Collins committed to getting the company $32M in naval contracts.

A check for $150,000 to 1820 PAC, a pro-Collins super PAC, from the Society of Young Women Scientist and Engineers.

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4/ To skirt campaign finance laws and conceal the source of the funds, Navatek’s CEO, Martin Kao, sends an initial $150K to the pro-Collins super PAC (1820 PAC) using a shell company. Reed knows Kao is behind the donation. “Very smart,” he says in an email viewed by ProPublica.

Emails Between Martin Kao and Scott Reed, Discussing Contributions to the Susan Collins Super PAC, 1820 PAC

“Hi Scott: Had a chance to discuss 1820 with my CFO and attorney last night. They are suggesting setting up a separate new LLC to make the donations. Name of new LLC: Society of Young Women Scientists and Engineers.

In my personal real estate investments, we often use LLCs that can be set up to "facilitate" transactions. They are super vague and very difficult to get any background info on. Totally legal and typically used in real estate transactions to conceal the identity of buyer/seller. Wanted to get your thoughts/concerns.”
— email from Martin Kao to Scott Reed, Nov. 22, 2019

“Very smart and glad your counsel understands. Thanks for doing this.”
— email from Scott Reed to Martin Kao, Nov. 22, 2019

“Great! We will proceed on getting this set up ASAP. Have a nice weekend.”
— email from Martin Kao to Scott Reed, Nov. 22, 2019

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Sen. Susan Collins helped steer millions in federal defense contracts to Navatek, whose CEO illegally funneled thousands of dollars to her campaign. The FBI sought to launch a probe and was eyeing Collins and other lawmakers. Then Trump gutted the unit in charge. THREAD 🧵

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 20/09/2026

Counterintelligence experts told us it’s no secret Russia has long been trying to penetrate the Trump family inner circle, so a Putin-linked oligarch bankrolling Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding raised all sorts of red flags. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: propub.li/47fu7eJ

“The expert take was … if you are the president’s son, you don’t get into a place where you are indebted to a Russian oligarch who is funded by the Russian state.” - Brett Murphy, ProPublica reporter

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The Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s recent efforts to impose new rules on mail-in voting ahead of the 2026 midterms. Use our guide to catch up on what happened and what you need to know if you plan to vote by mail 👇

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 19/09/2026

The Russian government has long been accused of efforts to influence U.S. elections. This week, we revealed an extraordinary development: a member of Putin’s circle financially supporting the president’s son. Join us Sept. 23 for a virtual conversation: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 18/09/2026

Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev footed the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars of expenses at Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding, including renting out a private island. National security experts say it raises an urgent question: What motivated Kremlev to spend a fortune cultivating the connection?

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 17/09/2026

This week, ProPublica revealed that a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding festivities. Join our reporters on Sept. 23 for a behind-the-scenes conversation. 🗓️ RSVP: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...

Graphic titled "Bankrolled: How a Russian Oligarch Funded Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding Weekend." Text below reads: The inside story of how ProPublica traced the lavish three-day party back to a secret benefactor. Wednesday, Sept. 23. 4 p.m. EST. An image shows dozens of people in a group wedding photo on a beach, including Donald Trump Jr.; his wife, Bettina; and Tiffany Trump. An arrow points to Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, labeled as "Don Jr.'s secret benefactor," in the back row.

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 16/09/2026

When a team of ProPublica reporters first heard that a Putin-linked oligarch named Umar Kremlev attended Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding, they couldn’t believe it. Then they found the proof in an Instagram group photo. Listen to this excerpt from our “Paper Trail” podcast:

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Donald Jr. and Bettina Trump confirmed Umar Kremlev’s role in a post on Bettina's Instagram: “Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us,” they wrote. “Friendship doesn’t require a political motive.” www.instagram.com/p/DdRVuhhGxFy/

Screenshot of Instagram post caption: Apparently our wedding is making headlines again, so a little clarity seems in order.

Don and I got married privately on Friday, surrounded ONLY by our family. It was intimate, deeply personal and one of the most beautiful days of our lives.

The weekend that followed had actually been planned well in advance as a fun weekend with friends. It was never intended to be our wedding weekend. When our original wedding plans changed, we simply decided to get married before it and arrived at an already planned weekend as newlyweds.

Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding. It was an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful.

It’s unfortunate that something so personal and happy can be recast as something political or sinister simply because of who someone is or where they come from. Friendship doesn’t require a political motive. Generosity doesn’t automatically come with an agenda. And sometimes a wedding gift is simply a wedding gift.

We are fortunate to have wonderful friends from all over the world, and we will never be embarrassed or apologetic about being grateful for them.

So, for anyone determined not to let the facts get in the way of a good story: NO CONSPIRACY , NO MYSTERY. Just a private family wedding, a wonderful weekend with friends and one hell of a party❣️
And since fake news travels fast, we figured the truth deserved a few pictures
With love and gratitude,
Don & Bettina

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Trump Jr. and his bride Bettina Anderson had their first dance on the island rented by Kremlev, which can go for around $100,000 a night. The company that put on the Kremlev-funded fireworks display charges around $70,000 for such shows.

Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Anderson, at their wedding, watching fireworks paid for by Umar Kremlev.

Laura Gordon Photography via Lewis Miller Design

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That’s him, Umar Kremlev, all the way in the back row. He's the head of the International Boxing Association, a scandal-plagued sports group that has been financed by the Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom.

A zoomed-in version of the previous wedding photo, spotlighting Kremlev — barely visible in the back row.

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Look at this photo we found from Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding. Can you spot the Russian oligarch close to Putin who bankrolled the event? 🧵

A group photo shows about 35 people, including Donald Trump Jr.; his wife, Bettina Anderson; Ivanka Trump; Jared Kushner; Tiffany Trump; and Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev.

Little Pipe Cay/Lux Hospitality Bahamas; Laura Gordon Photography via Instagram; Laura Gordon Photography

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 13/09/2026

On Feb. 19, the U.S. Center for SafeSport ruled that girls’ volleyball coach Ryan Richardson was banned from coaching. An oversight group found that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor, among other allegations. The next day, he was back to training players. He has not stopped since.

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Major League Baseball built a pipeline in the Dominican Republic to scout superstars like David “Big Papi” Ortiz. But there’s an open secret: It enables an industry that financially exploits scores of kids and their families each year. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: propub.li/3SFfAWo

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ProPublica @propublica.org · 13/09/2026

For likely the first time in modern history, the Supreme Court decided more cases in fast-tracked, secretive proceedings than in open court. These “shadow docket” decisions have let the Trump admin. bypass lower courts on deportations, ICE stops and more — often with little to no explanation.

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17/ Cruz would go on to make his major league debut with the Pirates, where he is now the team's starting centerfielder. By this time, Caraballo had become business partners with none other than Red Sox legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz.

Photo of Cruz, walking up to bat during a Pirates game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Credit: Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images.

Instagram post of David Ortiz with Santo Caraballo in the lender’s office in Santo Domingo, dated April 1, 2023. Obtained by ProPublica via Instagram.

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16/ The judge released Cruz on a bond of 2 million pesos, or $34,000. A couple of weeks later, Cruz posted a photo of himself with Caraballo, grinning while seated on a golf cart at the Miami airport.

A social media post made a few weeks after Cruz’s release shows him (second from left), alongside Caraballo (far left) and two others at the Miami airport.

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13/ Mercedes Garcia, who says she ultimately received less than 1/3 of the settlement, said that she didn’t talk to much of her family for years after she realized what had happened. Once they decided to take the money, they lost her, too: “I was buried along with Daniela.”

Photo of Daniel Perez Garcia's grave site. Credit: Christopher Gregory-Rivera for ProPublica

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8/ Mercedes Garcia, whose daughter Daniela died in the crash, said she made it clear from the start that she didn't want any money from the Cruzes. But unbeknownst to her, one of her sons was working with Caraballo. That son, she says, tricked her into agreeing to a deal.

Photo of Mercedes Garcia at her home in Juan Baron in the Dominican Republic. Credit: Christopher Gregory-Rivera for ProPublica

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