… We’re responsible company – SportyBet
By Chinenye Anuforo
Over 100 disgruntled customers of online sports betting platform, SportyBet have filed petitions with multiple Nigerian authorities, claiming that the company withheld their winnings exceeding N950 million and locked them out of their accounts. But the company in a swift reaction, has countered the claims.
This is even as a Nigerian law firm, Prolex Solicitors has called for a full investigation into the activities of the online sports betting platform. The firm represents the over 100 clients who alleged SportyBet refused to pay out their winnings.
The customers, unhappy with SportyBet’s justification for withholding their winnings, have petitioned 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), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).
According to the law firm the clients claimed SportyBet requested excessive personal data before unexpectedly blocking their accounts and refusing to pay winnings. After reviewing the case, Prolex Solicitors believes these actions violate consumer privacy rights and constitute unfair business practices thereby taking up the case.
“This raises serious concerns about SportyBet’s data collection practices and their treatment of customers who win bets,” stated Prolex Solicitors Lead Partner, Mr. Kunle Bamidele, during an online press conference.
SportyBet previously attempted to defend their actions by accusing the customers of using “bot technology” and placing “illegal automated bets.” But the law firm said that independent IT experts have cast significant doubt on these claims, raising concerns about the legitimacy of SportyBet’s defense.
The customers are demanding clear explanations and transparency from SportyBet. With independent experts questioning the claims of fraudulent activity, the onus falls on SportyBet to provide concrete evidence to justify withholding the winnings.
But in a telephone interview with a representative of SportyBet, Ms. Beulah Akingbelu told Daily Sun that SportyBet is a very responsible firm that is always quick to pay out winnings to the winners or customers.
While refuting claims of not paying winnings, she explained that the company had earlier put out a press release to debunk the claims stating that SportyBet restricted about 42 accounts from further activity after having been identified and verified as being simultaneously abusively operated using bot technology.
She said, “It is important to note that all the 42 accounts are associated with the exact same foreign IP addresses and that the accounts repeatedly attempted to submit similar or identical illegal automated bets with fake odds that were not published by SportyBet”.
She added that the affected accounts had been reported to the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, stating that there was an ongoing investigation into those accounts and the associated individuals.
Akingbelu urged customers that are alleging their winnings are not paid to come forward with their claims for verification and a resolution to be reached.
“It is better for these individuals to come forward instead of being faceless. Let them come to us with their claims for verification and resolution instead of maligning the company,”she said.
But Prolex Solicitors dispute these claims, citing independent IT experts who cast doubt on SportyBet’s accusations. The customers seek a thorough investigation from the relevant authorities and a fair resolution.
“Customers who play by the rules deserve fair treatment and to receive their rightful winnings,” said Bamidele.
