Laila Mintas Gains Advantage in Lawsuit Against PlayUp

Several years ago, the Australian-based online betting and gaming operator, PlayUp, initiated negotiations for a takeover by FTX, a now-defunct crypto exchange. The important acquisition had a price tag of the mind-blowing $450 million. However, as negotiations fell through the cracks, PlayUp filed a lawsuit against its CEO at the time, Laila Mintas, claiming she was responsible for the failed takeover.

The Former CEO Secures a Major Win in the Legal Battle

Only recently, a Nevada judge ruled in favor of the former CEO, effectively dismissing all claims made by PlayUp against her. That’s the case for a ruling by Judge Gloria M. Navarro, who sided with Mintas in the legal battle that has been ongoing for a number of years.

The lawsuit filed by PlayUp was controversial. The leading online betting firm alleged that Mintas affected the discussions regarding the takeover of FTX, which ultimately resulted in the fallout of the negotiations. In contrast, Mintas rejected those claims and accused PlayUp and its CEO, Daniel Simic, of playing a major role in the collapsed takeover.

Now, as announced by NEXT.io, citing a source close to Mintas, the latest ruling marks an important victory for the former PlayUp CEO. “We now have two rulings on two continents confirming that these claims were baseless. It was Simic who sabotaged everything. Now, we can focus on securing her rightful compensation and finally putting this behind her,” the same source, whose identity was not publicly disclosed, revealed.

A representative of Mintas elaborated further, revealing: “Judge Navarro said in her decision in January 2022 when she dismissed PU baseless Restraining order against Dr. Mintas after only 3 weeks, that PlayUp made Dr. Mintas the Scapegoat. Now, naturally, Judge Navarro dismissed PlayUp’s entire claims against Dr. Mintas.”

Counterclaims Filed by Mintas Against PlayUp Remain

While the claims against Mintas were recently dismissed, the counterclaims she filed against her former employer stand. In the counterclaims, the former CEO accused PlayUp of defamation and false light. The two aforementioned claims also name Simic.

On the other hand, Mintas also accuses PlayUp of breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, as well as breach of contract. She is allowed to seek punitive, as well as reputational damages against both Simic and PlayUp.

Ultimately, Mintas is pursuing a judgement for $100 million. It is yet to be seen how that part of the legal dispute will go.