Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-03**Lead**
A promotional campaign by FOXNEWS offering a “Play $5, Get $100” deal on UFC 332 picks through the sports betting platform Underdog has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups, raising questions about the intersection of journalism, advertising, and gambling. The promo code “FOXNEWS” allows new users to place a small wager and receive a large bonus, a tactic that critics argue blurs the line between news dissemination and gambling promotion. The controversy comes as several states continue to expand legal sports betting, and as federal legislators consider new oversight measures.
**Context**
The partnership between FOXNEWS and Underdog is part of a broader trend of media companies entering the sports betting ecosystem. Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, allowing states to legalize sports gambling, networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and even traditional news outlets have forged deals with betting operators. FOXNEWS, owned by Fox Corporation, has previously aired segments that mention betting odds and has run advertisements for sportsbooks. The Underdog promo code is the latest example of direct integration, where a news brand lends its name to a gambling incentive.
Underdog is a daily fantasy sports and sports betting platform that has grown rapidly in the post-PASPA era. Its partnership with FOXNEWS gives the network a cut of revenue from new sign-ups, a model that some media watchdogs say creates a conflict of interest. The UFC 332 event, scheduled for later this year, is a high-profile mixed martial arts card that attracts significant betting interest. By tying the promotion to a specific fight night, FOXNEWS effectively encourages viewers to gamble on outcomes that the network may also cover journalistically.
**Analise**
The political implications of this promotion are multifaceted. On one hand, proponents of legalized sports betting argue that media partnerships are a natural extension of a regulated market, providing consumers with transparent information and competitive offers. They point out that FOXNEWS is not alone—other news organizations have similar deals, and the revenue helps sustain journalism in a challenging economic environment. However, critics on both sides of the aisle have expressed concern. Some conservative lawmakers worry about the erosion of family values, while progressive legislators focus on consumer protection and the potential for gambling addiction.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has previously called for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how media companies promote gambling, especially to younger audiences. Although no specific legislation has been introduced targeting the FOXNEWS promo code, the incident could provide momentum for the proposed “Gambling Advertising Accountability Act,” which would require clearer disclosures and limit the use of promotional language that mimics news headlines. The fact that a major cable news network is directly incentivizing betting on a sporting event it may cover raises questions about editorial independence. If a reporter is analyzing a fight while the network profits from wagers on that same fight, the potential for bias—or the perception of bias—becomes a political liability.
Furthermore, the timing of the promotion coincides with ongoing debates in states like New York and California about tax rates on sports betting revenue and the allocation of funds for addiction treatment. The FOXNEWS-Underdog deal could become a talking point for advocates who argue that media companies should be subject to the same restrictions as casinos and racetracks. Some state attorneys general have already begun examining whether such promotions violate truth-in-advertising laws, especially if the terms “Play $5, Get $100” are not accompanied by clear odds and wagering requirements.
**Fontes**
This article is based on publicly available information from the FOXNEWS website and Underdog’s promotional materials, as well as reports from Reuters, NBC News, and the American Gaming Association. Statements from lawmakers are drawn from congressional records and press releases. No proprietary data or unnamed sources were used.
*Note: The FORTIS NEWS does not endorse gambling and reminds readers that sports betting carries financial risk. Please gamble responsibly.*