Iowa Gambler Urges Judge to Rule on $14M DraftKings Dispute

An Iowa man wants a judge to decide his ongoing legal fight with DraftKings. He claims the sports betting company canceled wagers that he believes should have won him over $14 million.

Lawsuit Claims DraftKings Used Changing Rules to Cancel Multi-Million Payout

Nicholas Bavas, who lives in Dallas County, sued earlier this year after DraftKings voided five bets he placed during the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Bad weather forced organizers to end the golf tournament after 54 holes, canceling the final round. Based on those results, Bavas’ bets would have paid out a fortune.

Instead, DraftKings cancelled the bets and gave back his initial $325 stake. The company said its house rules allow it to void wagers when errors or odd situations happen, pointing out that bettors accept these conditions when they place bets. However, lawyers for Bavas argue that the firm used unclear or shifting policies to avoid a huge payout. They say the rules in place then did not let the company erase his tickets, and hint that the operator might have changed its guidelines after the issue came up.

Bavas’ lawyers claim that DraftKings applies its rules in an inconsistent manner. They point out that if his bets had failed, the sportsbook would not have given a refund, highlighting what they see as unfair treatment, reported KCCI. One of his legal representatives mentioned that DraftKings kept taking bets on the tournament even when weather reports showed that the event would not finish. This situation gave knowledgeable players like Bavas a big edge.

DraftKings Stands Firm in $14M Lawsuit, Says Rules Allow Bets to Be Canceled

DraftKings has fought back hard, insisting that Bavas knew the risks that came with these kinds of bets. The company says its rules state that it can cancel bets when unusual results or errors happen. It argues that its choice to give the money back was correct and open.

The legal battle is set to go to trial in September 2026. In early September, Bavas’ attorneys submitted a request for summary judgment, which could enable the court to settle the issue without a long trial. DraftKings has until October 10 to submit its answer.

The lawsuit has grabbed people’s attention not just because of the big money involved but also because it raises wider issues about honesty and openness in the booming online sports betting world.