Businessman Alleges Shortchange in Betting Payment

Sunday Okobi and Rebecca Ejifoma

An Abuja-based businessman, Mr. Tochukwu Obienu, who claimed to have won N3.620 million from a sports bet he placed with an online sports betting platform, AccessBet, has lamented that he only received N2.786millon instead of the actual amount (N3.620 million) he won, alleging that he was scammed.

Obienu made this claim in a phone interview with THISDAY at the weekend.

Speaking from Abuja, Obienu narrated that: “This is the first time I would win since I started betting the game about five months ago. “I won N3.620million on November 3, 2021. The highest you can play is N1million, which was split 10 times. I had lost N5million in the past.”

After winning this time, the bettor decried that the betting company suddenly called off the betting and made a refund. “They initially paid me N1 million in the first withdrawal request before cancelling bets. Then they refunded N786,000 the next day.”

Having visited the bet company’s office at House 18, 64 Crescent, Team 7 Gwarinpa Estate in Abuja and discussed with the management, the businessman confirmed that the firm pleaded and paid him another N1million.

He said: “The balance is N834,000, and I want my money. They have no right to withhold my money. There was no pre-information as to why they cancelled the betting. They simply said it is their terms and conditions.”

When THISDAY reached out to the Retail Manager of the betting firm, Mr. Solomon, who wouldn’t divulge his last name, he promised to call back in 20 minutes, but never did.

However, he responded via a text message sent to him. According to him, “Okay I will respond to you on Monday when I get to the office. Accept my thanks.”

Meanwhile after THISDAY notified him of going forward with the story without his substantial input, he responded saying: “He (Obienu) breached our terms and conditions. All related bets were voided and his stakes were returned in total of N1 million. Regards!”

When asked via a text message of the company’s terms and conditions, he sent the link to their website, hinting on Sections 4A and 16 severally.