A UK bettor, Liam Manifold, is embroiled in a dispute with Coral after the sportsbook refused to pay out on his winning World Cup parlay bet.
A UK bettor, Liam Manifold, is embroiled in a dispute with Coral after the sportsbook refused to pay out on his winning World Cup parlay bet.
Close Call, No Payout
Manifold’s bet, a combination of three selections – France reaching the final, Lionel Messi winning the Golden Ball, and Argentina winning the World Cup – boasted impressive odds of +149500. However, when he attempted to collect his winnings, Coral threw a wrench.
The sportsbook’s reasoning? The three selections were deemed “too closely related” and shouldn’t have been allowed as a single parlay. However, this raises a crucial question: if the combination was indeed invalid, why did Coral accept the bet in the first place?
Frustration Mounts
Manifold had already earmarked the winnings for a heartwarming purchase – a mobility scooter for his father. Understandably, the shop manager’s refusal caused significant disappointment.
Coral attempted to appease Manifold with a meagre £660 offer, a far cry from the substantial sum he was rightfully owed. This lowball proposal essentially pressured Manifold to forfeit his rightful winnings.
The sportsbook defended its stance by claiming the selections followed a “logical progression” – Argentina’s victory, in their view, practically guaranteed Messi the Golden Ball. Additionally, Coral argued that Manifold, not a staff member, wrote the odds on the slip. However, a Coral representative still accepted the wager on their behalf.
Fighting for Fairness
Manifold isn’t backing down without a fight. He’s actively seeking to hold Coral accountable for honouring the bet, but the sportsbook remains obstinate. The case now rests with a consumer complaints group, which will hopefully facilitate a fair resolution.
Deja Vu for Punters
This incident isn’t an isolated event for Coral. Earlier this year, they employed the same tactic, refusing a winning Premier League parlay bet under the pretence of a “mistake.” This pattern suggests a concerning trend of the sportsbook attempting to weasel out of legitimate payouts.
The UK Gambling Commission emphasizes that a sports bet functions as a contract, and bettors are advised to meticulously review the terms and conditions before placing a wager. However, contracts are designed to protect both parties, not solely favour the one with greater financial resources.
