Key Points
- In 2024, SportyBet Nigeria suspended multiple customer accounts, alleging platform manipulation for substantial winnings
- The suspended users maintain they are owed over N900 million in legitimate winnings and reject all allegations
- The betting company pursued legal action demanding N50 million in damages and a gag order against public discussion
- A Nigerian judge dismissed SportyBet’s entire lawsuit, finding no evidence to support the company’s allegations
- The core dispute over N900 million in winnings between SportyBet and the bettors continues without resolution
A Nigerian court has ruled against SportyBet Nigeria in its lawsuit targeting customers whose betting accounts were suspended last year. The betting platform had alleged these users exploited system vulnerabilities to secure significant payouts.
The group of affected bettors maintained that SportyBet owes them upwards of N900 million in legitimate earnings. They categorically rejected any suggestion of misconduct and accused the platform of withholding rightfully won funds.
Following the account suspensions, SportyBet did not move quickly to resolve the conflict. The frustrated customers turned to social media platforms to publicize their predicament and garner community backing.
In response, SportyBet escalated the matter to the judicial system. The gambling platform filed legal proceedings against the customers, alleging fraudulent financial activities.
The company additionally sought an ex parte injunction from the court. Such a directive would have prohibited the customers from discussing the controversy in public forums.
Beyond the injunction, SportyBet requested N50 million in compensatory damages from the implicated users. The platform contended that public statements made by the customers were causing reputational damage to its brand.
Judge Rules SportyBet Failed to Substantiate Allegations
The presiding judge remained unconvinced by SportyBet’s legal arguments. The court determined that the betting company had failed to substantiate any of its claims with adequate evidence.
In the judicial decision, the judge explicitly stated that “the claimant is not entitled to any of the reliefs.” The lawsuit was thrown out in its entirety.
SportyBet had initially insinuated that customers had tampered with its technological infrastructure. Yet throughout the legal proceedings, no concrete evidence emerged to validate this serious charge.
Judicial documentation revealed that SportyBet never advanced any arguments concerning a cyber breach. Instead, the company centered its legal strategy on defamation claims, which also lacked evidentiary support.
The dismissal represents a complete failure of SportyBet’s strategy to muzzle the customers and secure monetary compensation. The bettors remain legally free to discuss the ongoing controversy publicly.
Outstanding N900 Million Payment Remains in Limbo
While the court has rendered its verdict, the fundamental dispute persists. The customers continue awaiting payment of what they claim exceeds N900 million in winnings.
The controversy has captured significant interest within Nigeria’s online betting sector. Numerous platform users tracked the unfolding dispute through social media after the affected bettors publicly shared their experiences.
SportyBet ranks among the prominent betting platforms operating throughout Nigeria. The company maintains a user base spanning millions across multiple African nations.
The court’s rejection of the lawsuit redirects focus toward SportyBet’s obligation regarding the outstanding payments. To date, the company has issued no public communication regarding its approach to the unresolved financial claims.
The affected customers have not disclosed whether they intend to initiate their own legal proceedings to recover the N900 million. As of late April 2026, the situation remains unresolved with no clear path to settlement.
