Betfred faces legal action over voided £1.7m payout

Betfred is embroiled in a legal battle with one of its UK customers after voiding an apparent online jackpot win of  £1.7m (€1.9m/$2.2m).

Andrew Green of North Hykeham, Lincolnshire won the jackpot prize while playing the Playtech title Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven in January this year.

Green said he confirmed the win via a phone call with Betfred, after which he spent more than £1,000 celebrating with family and friends. Days later, however, Betfred contacted Green to inform him that the game had suffered a software malfunction and no legitimate jackpot win had occurred, meaning he would not be receiving a payout.

According to the BBC, Green said he had been playing the game for six hours before he won the jackpot, having started out with £100 in his account.

“Even if there was a malfunction that is not my fault – all I could do was press a button,” he said.

Green’s solicitor also said Betfred refused to produce evidence of the reported glitch, despite repeated requests to do so. A preliminary hearing on the case took place in the High Court earlier this week.

A Betfred spokesperson said in a statement: “Unfortunately, and as Mr Green is aware, a new game release… suffered a software malfunction in January this year and no legitimate jackpot win occurred.

“Given that Mr Green is currently exploring his legal options, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

The case continues.

Image: George Hodan