SportyBet violated a number of the consumer protection rules. Class Action Law Suit Initiated
Dear @fccpcnigeria,
Tonight, just like the 3rd time in the last few months, @SportyBet violated a number of the consumer protection rules
Tonight, during a high-engagement night of European football fixtures (e.g., Bayern vs. Liverpool), SportyBet’s app and website deliberately failed to load the “open-bets” section for numerous users, including the Complainants.
This failure prevented users from viewing their ongoing bets, monitoring outcomes or exercising cash-out options, leading to unavoidable losses as bets could not be managed in real-time.
Evidence of this issue includes:
An X post by @officialmoore7 accusing SportyBet of intentional sabotage, which garnered over 500 replies from frustrated users demanding account deactivations, boycotts, and switches to alternatives.
Widespread user reports on social media platforms, including X, describing similar experiences during peak events, suggesting a pattern of unreliability.
Recurring complaints about SportyBet’s platform stability, particularly during live matches, which erode trust in a service that handles millions in user funds.
These failures are not isolated technical glitches but appear to be intentional or grossly negligent practices designed to maximize SportyBet’s profits by preventing users from cashing out winning bets or mitigating losses.
Such practices violate consumer rights by:
Engaging in deceptive advertising (promising reliable services while delivering substandard performance).
Causing undue financial harm through unfair terms and unreliable service delivery.
Exploiting consumers in a vulnerable position during time-sensitive events.
The Class has suffered quantifiable damages, including lost winnings, unrecoverable stakes, and opportunity costs, estimated at over 30 billion Naira collectively.
Individual losses range from hundreds to thousands of Naira per incident.
CAUSES OF ACTION
Violation of FCCPA Section 123 (Unfair Trade Practices): SportyBet’s deliberate app failures constitute unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts that harm consumers.
Violation of FCCPA Section 124 (False, Misleading, or Deceptive Representations): By advertising a reliable platform while failing to deliver during critical times, SportyBet has misled consumers.
Violation of FCCPA Section 125 (Unconscionable Conduct): The practices exploit consumers’ reliance on the platform, leading to unjust enrichment for SportyBet.
Breach of Consumer Rights (FCCPA Sections 104-114): Including the right to safe, quality services and fair redress.
Anti-Competitive Behavior (FCCPA Sections 59-70): By eroding trust, SportyBet may be abusing its market position in the Nigerian betting industry.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
This complaint satisfies the requirements for collective redress under FCCPA and Nigerian procedural rules:
Numerosity: The Class is too large for individual joinder (thousands affected based on social media traction).
Commonality: Common questions of law and fact predominate (e.g., Did SportyBet’s platform fail deliberately? Did it violate FCCPA?).
Typicality: The lead Complainant’s claims are typical of the Class.
Adequacy: The lead Complainant will fairly represent the Class; counsel may be engaged if needed.
Superiority: A class action is superior for efficient resolution.
RELIEF SOUGHT
The Complainants respectfully request that the FCCPC:
a. Investigate SportyBet’s practices and platform reliability.
b. Order SportyBet to cease and desist from such unfair practices.
c. Mandate refunds and compensation to the Class for losses incurred to the tune of 30billion naira.
d. Impose administrative penalties on SportyBet under FCCPA.
e. Require SportyBet to improve its infrastructure and provide transparent reporting on downtime.
f. Award any other relief, including costs and fees, as deemed just
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