CHICAGO — A Chicago-area military veteran thought his March Madness bets would cover his daughter’s college tuition — until the betting app BetMGM canceled his wagers, citing a pricing glitch. Now, Illinois state regulators have sided with the sportsbook, leaving the bettor without a dime of his nearly $400,000 potential winnings.
Mark Aiello, a Roselle resident and Army veteran, had placed multiple parlay bets on Chicago Bulls player stats in March through BetMGM’s app. He believed he won $389,000 based on his correct predictions for rebounds and assists.
“I figured that they would be honored,” Aiello told CBS News. “Them making a mistake — I feel like I should be owed something.”
BetMGM Blames “Obvious Error” In Odds
According to the Illinois Gaming Board ruling, BetMGM canceled Aiello’s bets before the games started, citing an “obvious error of incorrect or inflated odds.” The sportsbook told investigators that pricing had not been properly updated when Aiello placed his wagers.
Despite Aiello’s frustration, experts say the cancellation aligns with standard gaming contract law.
“Let’s say I send a $200 deposit to my bank, and they credit me with $20,000 by mistake. That’s a human error — and under gaming law, it’s voidable,” said Elihu Feustel, a gaming consultant and legal expert.
A Viral Bet With No Payout
Aiello’s story went viral after CBS Chicago aired it earlier this year. Millions watched as he shared his excitement — and later, his disappointment — over the canceled winnings.
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BetMGM accepted at least one of his bets, Aiello says, which he believes should validate the payout.
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The state disagreed, noting that the error was caught prior to game time, making the wagers void.
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Had the odds been correct, Aiello would’ve won around $40,000, but BetMGM hasn’t offered even that as consolation.
“That’s the least they could do,” Aiello said when asked if he’d accept payout based on corrected odds.
BetMGM has so far not responded to requests for comment on whether they would offer a compromise.
Aiello Still Seeks Accountability
The ruling has sparked heated debate online, especially in gambling forums where users argue over sportsbook ethics, transparency, and consumer protections. Some call for tighter regulations around how and when sportsbooks can cancel wagers.
As sports betting grows in Illinois and across the country, Aiello’s case is a reminder of the fine print many bettors overlook — and the uphill battle customers face when a platform invokes “obvious error” clauses.
Have you ever had a bet canceled due to “odds errors”?
Do you think sportsbooks should be required to honor wagers they initially accept?
Share your thoughts in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
