In a thrilling legal twist, the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that Jacqueline Davis, a Detroit woman, can continue her lawsuit against BetMGM, claiming the company refused to pay out her $3 million in winnings. The case, which revolves around an alleged online game malfunction, has sparked a firestorm in the world of online gambling—and set a legal precedent that could change how gaming companies handle player disputes.
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The Winning Streak That Turned Into a Nightmare
It all began in March 2021 when Davis sat down to play “Luck O’ The Roulette,” a promotional game offered by BetMGM. What started as a modest wager of $4.50 per spin quickly turned into a jaw-dropping winning streak. After increasing her bet to the $5,000 maximum, Davis racked up a staggering $3.3 million over five days.
But her luck didn’t last long. When Davis requested a $100,000 payout, BetMGM initially approved it. Then, just 24 hours later, the company informed her that a “glitch” in the game had frozen her account and voided her winnings. The company’s defence? They argued that their terms and conditions clearly stated that a malfunction would cancel any winnings.
Michigan Supreme Court Unleashes Common Law on Online Gaming Disputes
While BetMGM tried to block the case, claiming the Michigan Supreme Court Gaming Control Board had jurisdiction, the Michigan Supreme Court disagreed, giving Davis a powerful win. The court ruled that common law could be applied to her case, even under the state’s online gambling laws.
Justice Brian Zahra wrote, “The common law is particularly well-suited to address ongoing developments arising from the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (LIGA),” signalling that online gaming disputes are not bound by outdated rules and can evolve as new cases arise.
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BetMGM’s Response and the Battle Ahead
BetMGM’s legal team argued that Davis was subject to the company’s contractual rules, which state that any game malfunction renders winnings void. The company removed the faulty game from its platform, but Davis wasn’t ready to let them off the hook.
Davis’s attorney, Mark Granzotto, criticised BetMGM’s lack of evidence to back up their malfunction claim, and emphasised the company’s failure to properly review the game within the 24-hour window mandated by Michigan’s gaming law.
The court’s ruling paves the way for a potential trial in Wayne County Circuit Court, where Davis will have the chance to seek justice for what she believes is a clear case of fraud.
A Precedent-Setting Case for Online Gambling
This case isn’t just about one woman’s fight to get what she earned—it could reshape the landscape of online gaming disputes. With the popularity of online casinos and the increasing number of virtual gambling platforms, the outcome of this case could set the tone for how future malfunctions and winnings claims are handled across the industry.
It’s a battle between the rights of players and the protections of gaming companies, and if Davis wins, it could signal a new era of accountability for online gaming operators.
A Reminder from History: The Atlantic City Jackpot Incident
This isn’t the first time a casino has tried to invalidate a massive win due to a “glitch.” In 2024, a woman in Atlantic City was denied a $1.2 million jackpot from a Wheel of Fortune slot machine, only to be offered a $350 payout. That case was also based on a malfunction, but the casino’s refusal to pay sparked outrage—and now it’s happening again in Michigan.
What’s Next for Davis and BetMGM?
The Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling sends a clear message that gaming companies cannot simply wash their hands of disputes under the guise of technical errors. As Davis’s case heads back to Wayne County Circuit Court, the eyes of the online gambling world will be on her fight for justice. Will she walk away with her $3 million—or will BetMGM’s defence hold up in court?
FAQs:
- What’s the heart of the lawsuit?
Jacqueline Davis is suing BetMGM for refusing to pay out $3 million in winnings after a game malfunction during her play of “Luck O’ The Roulette.” - Why did BetMGM refuse to pay?
BetMGM claimed the game malfunctioned and their terms and conditions voided any winnings resulting from errors. - What did the Michigan Supreme Court decide?
The court ruled that Davis has the right to sue under common law, despite the company’s defence under gaming law, allowing her case to proceed. - Has this kind of incident happened before?
Yes, in 2024, a similar situation occurred in Atlantic City when a woman’s $1.2 million jackpot was cancelled due to a game malfunction.
Content Courtesy: Card Player