DraftKings defends decision to void Iowa man’s US$14.2 million payout
DraftKings has defended its actions after the sportsbook voided an Iowa man’s US$14.2 million winnings due to errors.
The operator has outlined 19 defenses to justify its actions ahead of a court case scheduled for 28 September 2026.
One defense is that Nicholas Bavas, of Dallas County, “knowingly accepted the risk that circumstances may arise related to the odds associated with any wager.”
Bavas sued the sportsbook operator after it had canceled five parlay wagers he had placed on the AT&T Pebble Pro-Am golf tournament last year which was canceled after 54 holes.
Bavas’ attorneys argued that DraftKings applies a “dizzying array” of rules which don’t necessarily apply to every wager placed. They also claim that when a bettor is awarded a large payout after an error or “unforeseen events” then “different rules apply.”
Bavas’ lawsuit alleges that DraftKings voided his five bets after the operator claimed that any “futures bets” placed before the game was canceled did not count.
The lawsuit states that this rule should not apply to bets placed on multiple players, which Bavas’ were.
Dig deeper
2025/06/02: Iowa man sues DraftKings for refusal to payout US$14 million
2025/03/12: Iowa online sports betting handle hits over US$203 million in February 2025
2025/01/16: Iowa online sportsbooks generate US$258 million of handle in December
2025/06/26: PointsBet defends shareholder vote amid Betr challenge
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
