Gambler in Chicago Experiences Disappointment as BetMGM Voids $389,000 Wager Success
A guy from Chicago thought he'd hit the jackpot with a life-altering sports bet that'd cover his daughter's college tuition. But delayed celebration turned into disappointment when BetMGM declared his $389,000 wager a dud due to "obvious errors in the odds, as per their house rules."
Meet Mark Aiello, a military vet living in the burbs, who casually dabbles in sports betting. He dropped four bets on a March 2 basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, trying to predict assists and rebounds with odds stacked at a whopping +35000.
The outcome was sweet, but his excitement was short-lived. Logging into BetMGM, he noticed the wagers appeared grey, and the operator canceled them minutes before the game. Prior to placing the bet, the operator had scrutinized it and given it a green light. Trying to salvage something with a query about the future odds was a lost cause.
Feeling disillusioned, Aiello filed a complaint with the Illinois Gaming Board and swore off betting.
BetMGM's rules explicitly empower them to void wagers with "obvious errors," including pricing blunders or technical inaccuracies. These policies state that they can cancel bets even after approval, even if they were active for hours beforehand. Affected users usually receive standardized messages that cite "obvious error of incorrect or inflated odds per the house rules," but specific error explanations are seldom revealed. These rules shield the operator, but disputes sometimes culminate in payouts following public or legal pressure. However, outcomes can be inconsistent, with some bettors left hanging.
To avoid potential pitfalls, bettors are advised to screen capture all wagers and communications. Additionally, state gaming boards may intercede when formal complaints are lodged. Dispute resolutions often rely on public visibility and legal advocacy.
- Mark Aiello, a military vet from Chicago, who regularly bets on sports, found his bets on a March 2 basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers canceled by BetMGM, despite the operator initially approving the wagers.
- The wagers made by Aiello, which attempted to predict assists and rebounds with odds stacked at +35000, were canceled due to "obvious errors" as per BetMGM's house rules.
- Despite feeling disillusioned, Aiello followed the proper channel by filing a complaint with the Illinois Gaming Board, and also swore off betting after the ordeal.
- In similar circumstances, BetMGM has the authority to void wagers with obvious errors, even after approval, and these rules are designed to shield the operator from certain liabilities, although the specific nature of errors is often not disclosed to affected users.
