Over 100 customers of the online sports betting platform, SportyBet, have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies, over the betting firm’s refusal to pay their winnings totaling over N950 million.
This follows recent reports from IT experts who cast reasonable doubt on SportyBet’s accusations.
Unhappy with SportyBet’s explanation for withholding winnings, a group of affected customers have filed petitions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), the Force Intelligence and Investigation Department (FIID), the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).
A Lagos-based law firm, Pro-lex solicitors, who is representing the over 114 SportyBet customers said,
SportyBet previously attempted to justify its actions by alleging the customers used “bot technology” and “illegal automated bets.”
The lead partner, Pro-lex solicitors, Mr. Kunle Bamidele, stated, at a press conference held via Zoom, said their clients complained that SportyBet demanded excessive personal information, then blocked their accounts and withheld their winnings.
The total amount of allegedly withheld winnings is a staggering N960,550,000, Bamidele confimed, even as he disclosed that the law Firm has taken step further to reviewed its clients’ claims.
“Based on our findings, we believe we have a strong case. We have filed a petition with a regulatory agency, arguing that SportyBet’s data collection practices are unreasonable and their account blocking unfair. Additionally, we have approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, due to concerns about possible money laundering by SportyBet.
“While no lawsuit has been filed yet, we are prepared to take that step if necessary. Our primary goal is to raise public awareness and encourage other potential victims to come forward. We are questioning the legality of SportyBet’s operations and urges the government to investigate the company.
“The regulatory agency has acknowledged the petition and is currently reviewing it. This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available,” Bamidele explained.
