Court dismisses Sportybet’s case against customers over N900m winnings dispute
The operator also accused the users of financial misconduct and sought damages of N50m.
Nigeria.- A Nigerian court has dismissed a case filed by Sportybet Nigeria against several customers over a dispute involving alleged unpaid winnings estimated at more than N900m (€530,000).
The dispute began in 2024 when the betting operator blocked and restricted the accounts of multiple users who had accumulated significant winnings. Sportybet alleged that the accounts were linked to system manipulation, although no verified evidence was disclosed publicly during the proceedings.
In response, the affected customers challenged the account restrictions and took their complaints to social media, seeking public attention and intervention. The situation escalated into litigation after Sportybet initiated court action and obtained an ex-parte order aimed at limiting the customers’ public comments on the dispute.
In its filings, the operator also accused the users of financial misconduct and sought damages of N50m (€30,000), alongside requests to restrain further online commentary. The customers denied wrongdoing and maintained their claims for unpaid winnings.
During the hearing, the court found that Sportybet did not substantiate its allegations. It ruled that the claimant failed to establish a legal basis for the reliefs sought and dismissed the suit in its entirety. The judge noted that the claims were not supported by evidence presented in court.
The ruling leaves the core issue over the alleged unpaid winnings unresolved. However, by dismissing Sportybet’s suit, the court effectively sided with the customers, weakening the operator’s position in the case. While no appeal has been confirmed publicly, both parties may still explore further legal or regulatory channels depending on their next steps.
