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Gaming Edge’s TL;DR
- A Nashville man alleges BetMGM helped him exit a five‑year self‑exclusion early and accepted nearly $300,000 in wagers, prompting a lawsuit that’s now in federal court.
- This raises fresh questions for bettors about operator compliance with responsible‑gaming safeguards and the effectiveness of state oversight.
- The plaintiff is seeking return of losses, treble damages, and other relief while challenging the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council’s handling of his dispute.
In June 2021, Dilvar Tayip says he placed himself on Tennessee’s statewide self‑exclusion list for five years (through June 16, 2026) and separately self‑excluded from BetMGM the same day.
According to amended petitions filed in Tennessee Chancery Court, Tayip alleges that between May 2023 and about June 2025, BetMGM accepted nearly $300,000 in wagers from him. The filing alleges BetMGM “counsel[ed] the petitioner on how to have himself removed from Tennessee’s Self‑Exclusion Listing early,” and even offered luxury inducements while he was supposed to be excluded.
The complaint also claims the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council denied his player dispute and failed to hold BetMGM accountable. Tennessee rules do allow an application for early removal but note that submission “does not guarantee removal.”
Case against BetMGM moved to federal court
If true, these allegations cut to the heart of responsible gambling protections. The case underscores the need to verify self‑exclusion status in writing and to retain all communications and transaction records.
For operators, the lawsuit highlights potential legal and financial exposure – including claims under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, breach of contract, negligence and fraud – and the possibility of treble damages and attorney fees.
Regulators may intensify audits of operator compliance, identity verification, and recordkeeping.
Practical takeaways for bettors include:
- Confirm any self‑exclusion directly with both the state registry and the operator
- Keep copies of removal requests, emails, and account logs
- Report suspected breaches promptly to the state council and consider legal counsel if losses are significant
Tayip’s complaint lists multiple causes of action and seeks return of gambling losses, additional damages, and other relief. BetMGM moved the case to federal court (docket 3:26‑cv‑00409), while the appeal versus the Sports Wagering Council proceeds in Chancery Court; a hearing is set for April 17.
Based on reporting by Brian Pempus for GamblingHarm.org.
