ESPN: Fanatics Sportsbook to identify, ban bettors who harass athletes

A prominent sportsbook is fighting back against the rise of threats and harassment directed at athletes, coaches and officials from disgruntled bettors.

Fanatics Sportsbook announced Thursday that it will become the first U.S. bookmaker to partner with ProhiBet Bad Actors, a system that uses artificial intelligence and investigative tools to detect social media abuse and identify the people behind it.

Fanatics will launch the platform during football season, and bettors who are caught harassing athletes, coaches and officials will be suspended or banned from using the sportsbook.