Online betting company SportyBet has attributed the temporary loss of access to betting slips experienced by Nigerian users on Wednesday night to a technical malfunction.
The explanation was contained in a statement issued after widespread complaints surfaced during a high-traffic night of UEFA Champions League fixtures across Europe.
Champions League Night Triggers Platform Issues
On Wednesday, 18 Champions League matches kicked off simultaneously, placing heavy demand on betting platforms. During the live games, thousands of SportyBet users in Nigeria reported that their betting slips suddenly became inaccessible.
Although customers said they were still able to place new wagers, they could not:
- View ongoing bets
- Access the cash-out option to settle bets early
Many users said their betting slips only became visible again after full-time, when their wagers had already been concluded, often without the opportunity to manage outcomes.
Why Live Betting Tools Are Critical
For live betting, open tickets and cashout features are essential tools that allow users to track wagers and manage risk in real time.
- Open tickets show bets that are still active
- Cashout enables bettors to lock in winnings or limit losses before a match ends
Because odds can shift rapidly following goals, red cards, or changes in momentum, the temporary loss of these features significantly limited users’ ability to respond during the games.
SportyBet Issues Apology
In response, SportyBet said a technical fault affected the visibility of open bets for some customers and confirmed that the issue has been fixed.
The platform added that impacted users would be contacted directly and offered an apology for the disruption.
Questions Over Platform Reliability
Some bettors said they had experienced similar disruptions in the past, particularly on nights with multiple high-profile matches. Others questioned why the platform continued to accept new bets while access to existing wagers was restricted.
The incident has renewed conversations around platform accountability and fairness within Nigeria’s rapidly growing online betting sector.
FCCPC Complaints Highlight Consumer Protection Concerns
Several affected users said they had reported the issue to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), citing alleged unfair practices and financial harm.
While the FCCPC has yet to announce any formal probe, the backlash underscores how quickly betting operators can come under public pressure when system failures occur during peak periods.
Restoring User Confidence Remains Key
Beyond resolving the immediate technical issue, SportyBet now faces the challenge of rebuilding user confidence. Digital betting platforms depend heavily on trust, as users commit real money while relying on apps to perform reliably during crucial moments.
Bettors are closely monitoring whether SportyBet’s apology leads to lasting technical improvements or becomes another point of friction in Nigeria’s expanding digital gambling ecosystem.
