‘I WON £1.7M.. YOU’D BETTER PAY UP NOW’
Gambler Andy takes Betfred to court over online ‘winnings’ he never got
A DAD who claims he scooped £1.7million from Betfred but never received a penny has taken his case to the High Court.
Andy Green, 53, celebrated for five days before the bookies told him he was the victim of a “technical glitch”.
Now – after a three- year battle during which he claims he was offered £30,000 then £60,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement – a judge is set to rule on the case.
Panel beater Andy thought he had struck it rich on Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven online blackjack game. Then came the call saying he would get nothing.
He said yesterday: “It was like someone had torn my heart out and robbed me. I have never seen evidence of this so-called glitch.
“I had my account with Betfred, not some software company.
“I played the game and won – they even congratulated me. They should pay out.” Andy knows he could face £60,000 legal costs if he loses. The case may hinge on whether Playtech, creator of the casino game, provides evidence of the “glitch”.
According to his legal team, the software has been judged too confidential to disclose. His solicitor, Peter Coyle, said: “Our application for summary judgment is a high-risk strategy.
“We have to satisfy the judge that Betfred has no chance at all of defending its position at a full trial. Betfred’s terms and conditions are incredibly complicated but we are confident they simply don’t allow them to withhold payment when the alleged glitch is within Playtech’s game and not Betfred’s software.”
Single dad Andy, of Washingborough, near Lincoln, added: “This has felt like hell on earth. I’ve had four heart attacks. But I am determined these big companies cannot do this to anyone else.”
Betfred would not comment further as the claim is now before the court.
Judgment was reserved at yesterday’s initial hearing. The court could now decide to rule on the case without a trial or opt for a full hearing.