Nerye Aminov filed a consumer class action lawsuit against DraftKings in September 2024. Aminov had deposited $500 with the operator in January 2022.
The plaintiff alleged that DraftKings engaged in deceptive marketing practices. He claimed the company used a fraudulent and misleading $1,000 sign-up bonus promotion to attract users.
US District Court Judge Margo K. Brodie heard the case in the Eastern District of New York. She dismissed the lawsuit on July 30, 2025.
Judge Brodie determined Aminov failed to demonstrate the promotion could deceive a reasonable consumer. The court examined the specific language used in DraftKings’ promotional materials.
The promotion stated users would receive a “20% deposit bonus up to $1,000.” Additional text specified that “bonus funds are earned as you play.”
Brodie noted these terms appeared prominently on the deposit screen in bold text. The judge said this placement made the conditions visible before users selected deposit amounts.
The promotional terms clearly indicated users could receive “up to $1,000 in bonus funds.” The court interpreted this language as showing a maximum amount rather than a guaranteed sum.
According to Bloomberg Law’s report, the judge stated a reasonable consumer wouldn’t expect the full $1,000 bonus simply for signing up.
The company offered new users a 20% deposit bonus with a $1,000 maximum. Users needed to play games to earn the bonus funds rather than receiving them immediately upon registration.
DraftKings had filed a motion to dismiss the case before the court’s ruling. The company argued its promotional language wasn’t misleading to consumers.
The deposit screen displayed bonus terms near the top of the page. This positioning allowed users to view conditions before completing their deposits.
The promotion required active gameplay to unlock bonus funds. Simply creating an account didn’t qualify users for any bonus amount.
The court dismissed all claims brought by the plaintiff. This gives DraftKings a complete victory in the consumer class action case.
The ruling establishes that federal courts will evaluate whether promotional language could mislead reasonable consumers. Clear terms and conditions may provide legal protection for operators facing similar challenges.
Other sports betting companies operating in regulated markets likely monitored this case. The decision provides guidance on how courts might interpret bonus promotion disputes going forward.
The Bloomberg Law report highlighted the case’s significance for the sports betting industry. Operators continue facing scrutiny over promotional practices as markets mature.
This dismissal allows DraftKings to maintain similar promotional language. The court found nothing deceptive about offering bonuses “up to” specific amounts when terms are clearly displayed.
This week, DratKings was also fined $450,000 by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for failing to block the use of credit card funds for online sports betting within the state.
