DraftKings, a popular online gambling platform, recently faced a significant incident in Connecticut that resulted in a fine of $19,000. The issue arose from a software glitch in one of its online slot games, “Deal or No Deal Banker’s Bonanza,” which caused 522 users to lose all 20,000 spins without any wins. The game was launched on the DraftKings Casino in August 2023, and despite its supposed average payout of 95%, players were unable to secure any wins due to the glitch.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Gaming Division conducted an official investigation into the matter and discovered the software malfunction that prevented players from winning. As a result, DraftKings was fined $19,000, while the game’s creator, White Hat Gaming, was also penalized with a $3,500 fine. The larger penalty imposed on DraftKings was due to its delayed response to user complaints about the error, as the operator failed to inform affected users about the reason behind the issue until prompted by the state regulator following customer complaints.
Although DraftKings eventually refunded the stakes totaling $23,909 to the impacted users, the lack of transparency in addressing the problem raised concerns. In response to inquiries from the CT Insider, a DraftKings spokesperson clarified that the issue was confined to Connecticut and that there were no reported issues with other games from White Hat Gaming. Both companies agreed to implement stricter internal controls and conduct more thorough testing of new games before their release to ensure accurate payouts, in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Moving forward, DraftKings is required to regularly update the regulator on new games, provide evidence of payout rates greater than zero, and promptly report any issues that may arise. By taking these measures, the company aims to enhance transparency and accountability in its operations, ensuring a fair and secure gaming environment for its users.