In a troubling turn of events, two BetMGM bettors have found themselves at odds with the online sportsbook after their winning bets were abruptly voided, raising questions about the integrity of sports betting practices.
Chicago resident Mark Aiello and Virginia teacher Kris Benton both reported their experiences with BetMGM, claiming the sportsbook terminated their bets due to what it described as "obvious errors" in the odds offered.
Aiello made headlines after placing four $500 bets on the March 2, 2025, NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers. His prop bet boasted staggering 350/1 odds, suggesting only a 0.28% chance of winning. After the game concluded in his favor, Aiello was elated, anticipating a payout of nearly $389,000. However, his joy turned to dismay when he discovered his bets had been voided before the game tipped off.
"I looked at my BetMGM app, and I noticed that it looked weird. Like all of the bets were grayed out," Aiello recounted, expressing his frustration and disappointment. The voiding of his bets left him feeling cheated and discouraged, prompting him to warn others about the potential pitfalls of online sports betting.
Benton's experience mirrored Aiello's. The Fairfax County school teacher had placed over $3,000 in bets on a Women's World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Vietnam, lured in by attractive 66/1 odds. When his bets won, he should have received a life-changing payout of $214,500, but BetMGM voided his winnings as well.
In both cases, BetMGM cited its house rules, stating, "These wagers were voided due to an obvious error of incorrect or inflated odds." The sportsbook emphasized that it reserves the right to declare a wager void if it contains an obvious error, whether due to mechanical, technical, or human mistakes.
Despite the initial setback, Benton took his story public, leading to a positive outcome. After his case gained media attention, BetMGM reached out through legal counsel and agreed to pay him the full amount of his winnings, acknowledging the error in their initial decision.
"My family and I are thrilled that BetMGM is holding themselves accountable. This is a life-changing moment for us," Benton said, adding that he plans to use the money to pay off his wife's student loans and start a college fund for their daughter.
While Benton’s story ended on a hopeful note, Aiello's situation remains unresolved. As of now, it is unclear whether he will pursue any legal action to recover his voided winnings. The discrepancy in how BetMGM handled the two cases has raised eyebrows among bettors and industry observers alike.
The legal framework surrounding online sports betting varies by state, and most jurisdictions require operators to file reports with regulatory agencies when bets are voided. BetMGM operates in several states, including Illinois, Virginia, and many others, and its house rules provide substantial leeway for the sportsbook to nullify bets based on perceived errors.
Critics argue that while sportsbooks need to protect themselves from errors, the system can be exploited, leaving bettors feeling vulnerable and frustrated. The situation highlights a growing concern in the sports betting industry about transparency and fairness.
BetMGM’s house rules state, "BetMGM reserves the right, at its own discretion, to declare a wager void, totally or partly, if a wager has been offered, placed, and/or accepted containing an Obvious Error." This clause is similar to provisions in other betting establishments, where technical glitches can lead to significant financial implications for players.
As the online sports betting landscape continues to expand, the need for clear and fair regulations becomes increasingly important. With millions of dollars at stake, bettors like Aiello and Benton are left to navigate a complex web of rules that can change at the sportsbook's discretion.
The outcome of Aiello's case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. As more states embrace online sports betting, the potential for conflicts between bettors and sportsbooks is likely to grow.
For Aiello and Benton, the experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the thrill of winning to the despair of having their bets voided. Their stories serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports betting and the importance of understanding the rules that govern it.
As the industry evolves, both players and operators will need to adapt to ensure a fair and transparent betting environment that protects the interests of all parties involved. For now, Aiello and Benton are left to navigate the aftermath of their experiences, hoping for a resolution that restores their faith in the system.
