Millions of Americans place wagers on games through mobile platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings. While a single win can feel thrilling, the underlying design of these apps often nudges users toward more frequent betting. Understanding those design choices requires real-world data, and that is where ProPublica’s new project comes into play.
The newsroom is assembling a sample of at least 250 betting histories to identify patterns like promotional boosts, VIP invitations, and the timing of responsible-gaming messages. If you have ever logged a bet on one of the major apps, you can contribute a anonymized snapshot of your activity. Even a modest CSV file can become a crucial puzzle piece in a broader analysis of how digital sportsbooks shape behavior.
Why ProPublica Needs Real Betting Histories
Without concrete transaction logs, investigators must rely on speculation or limited public statements from the companies. By aggregating actual betting data researchers can quantify how often users receive special offers, how quickly losses trigger risk alerts, and whether certain segments of players are targeted with higher-value incentives. The goal is not to single out individual gamblers but to reveal systemic practices that may be hidden behind the glossy interfaces of the apps.
In addition to exposing promotional tactics, the data set will allow ProPublica to assess the effectiveness of responsible-gaming notices. Do these warnings appear after a string of losses, or are they buried in the user flow? The answers can inform policy discussions and potentially guide regulators toward more protective measures for bettors.
How to Submit Your Betting History
ProPublica offers three straightforward ways to export your records. Choose the method that best fits your device and comfort level; each route takes roughly five to ten minutes on a computer. If you cannot act immediately, you may leave an email address and receive a reminder within 24 hours.
1. Install the browser extension (recommended)
The newsroom’s custom extension works with Chrome and Firefox. After downloading the temporary add-on, log into your betting account, activate the tool, and let it pull a complete CSV of your wagers. The extension does not collect personally identifying information, and you decide whether to upload the file to ProPublica’s secure portal.
2. Request data directly from the sportsbook
Both FanDuel and DraftKings provide a data-export request form for users in states with specific privacy statutes. Follow the respective link, submit your email, and wait for the company to email your file. Be aware that processing can exceed 30 days, so this option is best for participants who can wait.
3. Export from a third-party tracker like Pikkit
If you already use a betting-tracker application, you likely have a CSV download button inside the app. After saving the file, simply upload it on ProPublica’s submission page. This method bypasses the need for additional software or lengthy corporate responses.
All uploaded files travel directly to ProPublica’s newsroom and are never shared with the sportsbooks or any external entity. Should a reporter wish to feature a specific participant’s experience, they will seek explicit permission before publishing any details.
While using the extension carries a small risk—some platforms may suspend accounts that appear to scrape data—the potential public-interest payoff is significant. By contributing, you help build a transparent picture of how modern sports betting apps operate, and you empower future safeguards for millions of bettors.
