Michigan Supreme Court backs player in $3M BetMGM dispute
Jacqueline Davis, a resident of Michigan, has received unanimous support from the state’s Supreme Court in her legal battle against online gambling giant BetMGM. In a 7-0 ruling, the court determined that Davis may proceed with her $3.1 million claim in trial court, overturning two previous dismissals by lower courts.
What sparked the dispute?
In 2021, Davis began playing BetMGM’s online game Luck o’ the Roulette with a modest wager of $4.50. Over the course of six days, she amassed winnings exceeding $3.2 million. After withdrawing $100,000 at the MGM Grand Detroit, BetMGM abruptly closed her account, claiming a technical glitch had caused inaccurate game results.
The remaining $3.1 million was withheld, with no detailed explanation or transparent audit provided. Davis subsequently filed a lawsuit. Her winning streak was so remarkable that Justice Brian Zahra described it as a “heater of epic magnitude” in court documents.
The legal journey
In June 2021, Davis filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court, alleging breach of contract, fraud, and conversion. BetMGM countered by citing its user agreement, which states that any game malfunction voids winnings. The company argued that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
However, the MGCB clarified that it does not resolve disputes between players and 바카라s. An assistant attorney general noted that while the board can recommend corrective actions, it does not handle civil claims. As a result, Davis was referred back to the courts.
Despite this, both the trial court and the Michigan Court of Appeals sided with BetMGM, ruling that the MGCB had authority over the dispute. Davis’s case was dismissed—until the state’s highest court intervened.
Michigan’s Supreme Court steps in
The Michigan Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Davis’s favour, to proceed in trial court. The decision acknowledged the lack of a clear legal remedy for online gambling disputes. Justice Zahra noted that the evolving nature of internet gambling may require new legal interpretations and protections.
Since Michigan legalised online gambling in 2021, the industry has introduced new forms of digital gaming—and with them, complex legal challenges. The court’s ruling underscores the need for modern legal frameworks to address issues in the online gaming sector. Davis will now return to Wayne County Circuit Court to pursue her claims.
Davis’s solicitor, Mark Granzotto, argued that BetMGM has failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claim of a game malfunction. He stressed the importance of transparency and honouring contractual obligations.
“They say it malfunctioned, but they don’t have much evidence as to what happened,” Granzotto stated.
Not an isolated case
Davis’s situation is not unique. Similar disputes have occurred elsewhere. For instance, the Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City refused to pay a £1.6 million prize to a 72-year-old due to an alleged glitch. In the UK, Betfred declined to pay out £1.7 million under similar circumstances. In that case, the London High Court ruled in favour of the player, setting a precedent that could influence future decisions.
