A Lagos-based law firm, Pro-lex solicitors is representing over 114 clients who allege they were unfairly denied winnings by the online sports betting platform SportyBet.
The Lead Partner at the law firm, Mr Kunle Bamidele, disclosed this at a press conference held via Zoom on Friday.
In the briefing, Bamidele said that the clients claim SportyBet demanded excessive personal information, then blocked their accounts and withheld their winnings.
According to him, the total amount of allegedly withheld winnings is a staggering N960,550,000.
He said: “We have reviewed the clients’ claims and believe they have a strong case and 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 urge 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.
However, when Vanguard reached out to SportyBet, it claimed that the law firm was out to attack its site and was sponsored by its competitor.
A representative from SportyBet, Beulah Akingbelu who reacted to the allegations said: “I really don’t know what they want to gain. I have the name of the law firm that held the press conference that started all these things. And I told them by Monday, we will speak with them and understand the problem and then resolve it”.
