Sportybet Faces Backlash Over Withheld ₦900 Million Winnings

Sportybet is under scrutiny for allegedly withholding ₦900 million in winnings from its customers, including a pregnant woman from Agege who hoped to secure better healthcare for her unborn child. In response to customer complaints in 2024, Sportybet labeled them as international cybercriminals manipulating odds.

Customers appealed for intervention through social media and traditional media, but Sportybet refused to pay and attempted to silence them through legal action, which was dismissed by Nigerian courts due to lack of evidence against the customers. Recently, over 2,000 customers expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, sharing evidence of denied winnings and unfair practices.

Sportybet dismissed the uproar as an “unwarranted media campaign” by a “professional organization sponsoring influencers.” The company has been accused of using the term “glitch” to explain issues that arise when customers are winning, notably during a UEFA Champions League match in February 2026, when access to betslips was restricted. This led to a class action lawsuit from frustrated customers.