SportyBet Blames Technical Issues for Betting Slip Disruption
Online sports betting platform SportyBet has explained why users were unable to access their betting slips on Wednesday night, attributing the disruption to a technical issue.
The company disclosed this in a statement following widespread complaints from Nigerian bettors during a night of intense football action across Europe.
What Happened on Wednesday Night
On Wednesday evening, 18 UEFA Champions League matches were played simultaneously, creating heavy traffic across betting platforms. During the games, thousands of Nigerian SportyBet users reported that they suddenly lost access to their betting slips.
While users said they could still place new bets, they were unable to:
- View open betting tickets
- Use the cash-out feature to exit bets early
Many bettors noted that access to their betting slips only returned after the matches had ended, by which time their bets had already been settled, often resulting in losses.
Why Open Bets and Cashout Matter
During live matches, bettors consider open tickets and cashout to be the most critical features.
- Open tickets allow users to monitor bets that are still active
- Cashout enables bettors to secure profits or reduce losses before a game ends
Because betting odds can change within seconds due to goals, red cards, or shifts in momentum, losing access to these features prevents users from managing their funds effectively during live play.
SportyBet’s Response
In its statement, SportyBet said a technical issue temporarily affected the visibility of open bets for some users and that the problem has since been resolved. The company added that affected customers would be contacted directly and issued an apology for the disruption.
Recurring Complaints and User Concerns
Some users claimed similar issues have occurred in the past, particularly on high-traffic football nights. Others questioned why the platform continued accepting new bets while existing bets were inaccessible.
The incident has reignited debates around fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s fast-growing betting industry, especially as millions of young Nigerians rely on digital betting platforms.
FCCPC Complaints and Consumer Protection Questions
Several users said they had reported the incident to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), alleging unfair business practices and financial losses.
Although the FCCPC has not announced an official investigation, the public reaction highlights how quickly betting platforms can face scrutiny when systems fail during peak usage.
Trust at Stake for Betting Platforms
For SportyBet, the issue extends beyond resolving technical glitches. Betting platforms operate largely on user trust, as customers stake real money on outcomes they cannot control while relying on apps to function properly in critical moments.
Bettors are now watching closely to see whether SportyBet’s apology results in meaningful system improvements or becomes another flashpoint in Nigeria’s expanding digital gambling market.
