‘Never Forget’: DraftKings forced to apologize for 9/11-themed betting parlay

DraftKings, a Boston-based company that holds daily fantasy sports contests and sports betting, will not forget anytime soon about what many see as a colossal marketing blunder.

On the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists, the sportsbook offered a three-game parlay involving New York teams. Headlined “NEVER FORGET,” the promo featured the New York Mets, the New York Yankees, from MLB, and the NFL’s New York Jets.

“Bet these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11,” the ad stated.

A parlay bet is when you combine several outcomes into a single bet — in this case, winners receive $651 on a $100 wager on the three teams.

DraftKings eventually pulled the promotion and offered an apology:

“We sincerely apologize for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11. We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected,” the company said in a statement.

Then again, it’s not like DraftKings went as far as President Biden did to sully the day.

After infuriating 9/11 families by becoming the first U.S. president not to hold a memorial at the White House or to attend Ground Zero ceremonies in honor of those fallen, Biden opened his remarks from Alaska commemorating the solemn day by cracking a joke about being an All-America and LIED to the American people about being at Ground Zero

Nonetheless, the company heard from social media — some suggest Gen Z is a little less attached to the emotions of that fateful day:

Tom Tillison

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