Key Moments:
- A lawsuit alleges BetMGM altered a promotional contest mid-way to favor a VIP player
- The plaintiff claims he wagered around US$1.5 million, but did not win the top prize
- The legal action seeks at least $600,000 in damages under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act
Contest Structure and Player Participation
A lawsuit has been filed against BetMGM and its casino partners by a New Jersey resident who claims the company changed the rules of a promotional event while it was underway, allegedly benefiting a high-tier competitor and depriving him of the grand prize.
Plaintiff Lawrence Murk, who relies on voice controls and one arm to participate in online gaming, entered the “$2 Million Super Series” promotion in May 2021. According to the complaint, Murk wagered close to US$1.5 million on eligible slot machines during the contest period.
The contest rewarded players who opted in and placed real-money bets on specific weekly “Featured Slot Machine” games. For every $1 wagered on the qualified games, players earned leaderboard points, with prizes based solely on total points earned. The highest spender was set to receive $500,000 in bonus credits and daily free spins in June, while runners-up received lesser rewards.
Claims of Retroactive Rule Changes
Murk was confident in his approach, explaining that the transparent leaderboard system allowed him to track his standing and adjust his wagering to retain the lead. However, after holding the top spot for 11 days, Murk was overtaken by a new entrant listed as “mjbroker11969,” whose wagering suddenly appeared as roughly $800,000, while Murk’s own tally at that stage was approximately $350,000.
The plaintiff claims he contacted his VIP account manager, Ryan Weiner, who also served as the account host for “mjbroker11969.” Murk alleges that Weiner confirmed the new competitor had not properly opted into the promotion, but was post-factum added to the contest regardless.
Legal Allegations and Corporate Response
The complaint accuses BetMGM of breach of contract, unfair dealing, and violating the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act by retroactively including the VIP player and adjusting leaderboard standings. BetMGM has maintained that its terms and conditions grant the company the right to alter or end promotions at its discretion, and that Murk agreed to these terms.
Ultimately, Murk finished fourth and received a $50,000 bonus, not the $500,000 grand prize and daily free spins he had targeted. He is seeking at least $600,000 in damages, along with punitive and treble damages under consumer protection statutes.
Payouts and Alleged Damages
| Contest Placement | Bonus Received | Grand Prize Value | Damages Sought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Place (Lawrence Murk) | $50,000 | $500,000 + Daily Free Spins | At least $600,000 |
- Author
Daniel Williams
