- SportyBet disabled cash-out features for 90 minutes during Wednesday’s 18 UCL matches, trapping users in losing bets.
- The platform resumed working immediately after games ended, sparking accusations of deliberate fraud.
- Over 500 angry users on social media demanded boycotts, calling the incident “criminal behavior.”
Nigerian bettors are up in arms against SportyBet following allegations that the platform deliberately disabled its “open bets” feature during the final UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase matches, preventing thousands from cashing out and triggering accusations of outright fraud.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the controversy erupted during the final matchday of the Champions League league phase on Wednesday night, which featured 18 simultaneous fixtures including marquee clashes such as PSG vs Newcastle, Benfica vs Real Madrid, and Chelsea vs Napoli.
EDITOR’S PICKS
For nearly 90 minutes during the live matches, users found themselves locked out of viewing their bets or exercising cash-out options, only for the platform to mysteriously resume normal function immediately after the games concluded.
“Everyday Sportybet is making money from people, billions. Then the one day with lots of games like yesterday, they still had to cheat so people don’t win,” wrote X user Bane in a widely-shared post.
“As if betting wasn’t already difficult enough. How do you not let people see their bets or cash out for almost 90 mins so no one could win from those 18 CL games? Then the site suddenly starts working fine IMMEDIATELY the games ended. Like it was clearly on purpose. On a day so many casuals participated.”
Everyday Sportybet is making money from people, billions. Then the one day with lots of games like yesterday, they still had to cheat so people don't win.
As if betting wasn't already difficult enough. How do you not let people see their bets or cash out for almost 90 mins so…
— Bane (@jodambusta) January 29, 2026
Bane’s comment, which other affected users have identified with, captured the widespread belief that the outage was not a technical glitch but a calculated move to maximise platform profits at users’ expense.
“Criminal Behavior”
The timing and nature of the failure have led many to question SportyBet’s integrity. The fact that the platform became accessible only after matches concluded has fueled conspiracy theories and outrage across social media.
“We’re laughing about it but that’s criminal behavior that would get them in trouble in a sane country,” Bane continued. “Had to check who owned it and everything made sense.”
Journalist Ade Adeayo echoed the frustration, highlighting Nigeria’s weak consumer protection enforcement: “If Nigeria had a functioning consumer protection body, Sportybet will be in very big trouble for what they did tonight.”
If Nigeria had a functioning consumer protection body, Sportybet will be in very big trouble for what they did tonight.
— ADEAYO (@ade_adeayo) January 28, 2026
SportyBet’s Response
In response to the outcry, SportyBet issued a statement on X, blaming the disappearance of Open Bets for users during the matches on a technical issue.
“A technical issue temporarily affected the visibility of Open Bets for some users for a brief period during yesterday evening’s Champions League matches,” the company said.
“We understand how frustrating this would have been, especially during important live matches. The issue has been fully resolved.
“We are strengthening monitoring and safeguards to reduce the risk of a recurrence. Affected users will also be contacted directly with an apology from us.”
A technical issue temporarily affected the visibility of Open Bets for some users for a brief period during yesterday evening's Champions League matches.
We understand how frustrating this would have been, especially during important live matches.
The issue has been fully…
— SportyBet (@SportyBet) January 29, 2026
The statement was met with derision from affected users who noted that by the time access was restored, their money was already lost.
“The apology means nothing when you’ve already lost your money,” said one bettor. “They fixed it after the matches ended. What’s the point?”
Formal Complaint Filed?
The incident has prompted what appears to be a formal complaint to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Oke Umurhohwo, Marketing Director at StarTimes, filed a complaint with the commission alleging this is the third such incident in recent months.
“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,” Umurhohwo’s complaint states.
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… pic.twitter.com/b6OGuz8gR6
— Oke Umurhohwo (@OkeStalyf) January 28, 2026
He further characterised the failures as “intentional or grossly negligent practices designed to maximize SportyBet’s profits by preventing users from cashing out winning bets or mitigating losses.”
Pattern of Problems
This is not SportyBet’s first controversy. The platform has previously faced allegations of withholding payments totaling over ₦960 million and deactivating customer accounts, with 114 customers filing petitions with various regulatory bodies.
FURTHER READING
Users have also reported persistent technical issues including bet slips suddenly disappearing during critical moments, app crashes, and slow loading times particularly during high-traffic events.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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