High Court in Michigan Favors Gambler in $3.1 Million Dispute with BetMGM
In a landmark decision, the Michigan Supreme Court has unanimously ruled in favour of gambler Jacqueline Davis, allowing her to continue her legal battle against BetMGM over more than $3 million in disputed online gambling winnings. This ruling marks a significant victory for Davis, who had previously faced defeats in lower courts.
The case stems from Davis' six-day gambling streak in 2021, where she amassed winnings of $3.2 million playing BetMGM's "Luck o' the Roulette" game. However, her account was suspended, and she was denied the bulk of her winnings. Davis subsequently sued BetMGM in Wayne County Circuit Court, alleging breach of contract, fraud, and conversion.
The Michigan Supreme Court described Davis' gambling streak as "epic" and a "heater." In their ruling, they stated that leaving Davis without recourse "lends a new meaning to the old gambling adage that the House always wins." Judge Kathleen Feeney emphasised this point, warning that if Davis were left without recourse, it would be a significant departure from the principles of fairness and justice that underpin the legal system.
The MGM Grand Detroit allowed Davis to withdraw $100,000 in person before her account was frozen, leaving the remaining balance inaccessible. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) declined to take formal action in the case, stating that they do not determine the validity of disputes between authorized participants and licensees.
This ruling could have far-reaching implications for the online gambling industry in Michigan. The Michigan Supreme Court agreed that Davis deserves her day in court and that this shift in public policy may give rise to new rights under the law.
Interestingly, similar system glitch claims have been reported in other gambling venues. In May, a similar system glitch was reported at Atlantic City's Ocean Resort Casino, where a gambling venue refused to pay a $2 million jackpot. In April 2021, a Lincolnshire player was granted his £1.7 million winnings from Betfred following a favourable decision by London's High Court due to software error claims from the company.
As a result of this ruling, the case will now head back to Wayne County Circuit Court for further proceedings. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the online gambling industry in Michigan and whether other gamblers in similar situations will be able to seek justice.
[1] MLive.com, "Michigan Supreme Court rules in favor of gambler Jacqueline Davis in BetMGM dispute," 16th March 2023. [2] Detroit Free Press, "Michigan Supreme Court rules in favor of Jacqueline Davis in BetMGM online gambling dispute," 16th March 2023.
- This significant victory for Jacqueline Davis sets a precedent for her legal battle against BetMGM, as she seeks her more than $3 million in disputed online gambling winnings from playing their "Luck o' the Roulette" game.
- The Michigan Supreme Court's ruling described Davis' gambling streak as "epic" and a "heater," deeming it unfair to leave her without recourse, a departure from the principles of fairness and justice that underpin the legal system.
- Other gambling venues, including Atlantic City's Ocean Resort Casino and a Lincolnshire venue, have also reported similar system glitch claims, with gamblers not receiving their rightful winnings due to software errors.
- As the case heads back to Wayne County Circuit Court for further proceedings, the implications for the online gambling industry in Michigan could be far-reaching, potentially granting new rights under the law to gamblers in similar situations.
- Casino personalities, casino-and-gambling enthusiasts, and responsible gambling advocates will closely watch the developments in this case, as this could potentially influence sports-betting trends and lotteries.
- Meanwhile, sports fans and sports-betting enthusiasts continue to enjoy their favorite games, keeping an eye on big-wins and exciting casino-games that bring thrill and entertainment, reminding everyone that while the House may traditionally win, it's crucial to prioritize responsible gambling practices.
