Father wins £1.7m court battle with betting giant
A FATHER of two yesterday became a millionaire after a judge ruled that Betfred wrongfully withheld a huge jackpot.
Andy Green, 54, won £1.7million in the gambling giant’s online casino in 2018 but it refused to pay, citing a ‘computer glitch’.
Mrs Justice Foster said Betfred’s terms and conditions were ‘inadequate’ and ordered the firm to pay the cash plus £300,000 in interest.
Mr Green’s solicitor said the landmark case would send shockwaves through the gambling industry, where unfair terms and conditions are ‘endemic’.
Mr Green won three times on the Frankie Dettori Magic Seven Blackjack game to land the £1.7million win. He said he went ‘absolutely crazy’, extending his overdraft and spending £2,500 celebrating with family and friends.
A few days later, Betfred rang to say a ‘software error’ meant the payout would not be honoured, but it would be willing to pay £30,000 if he signed a gagging clause.
Mr Green rejected the settlement, and a further £60,000 offer, and took parent company Petfre, based in Gibraltar, to the High Court.
Betfred, which is owned by the billionaire Done brothers, is not appealing against yesterday’s ruling.
Speaking outside court, Mr Green, from Lincoln, said: ‘The last three years have felt like hell on earth. I think Betfred have treated me abysmally. These billionaires bully the small people, and I felt I wasn’t going to be one of those people.
‘Now I’ve proved you don’t have to be bullied, there is justice, you can fight them.’
He will spend the money on a holiday with his two daughters, a new car, home improvements and gifts.
His solicitor Peter Coyle, of Coyle White Devine, said: ‘These unfair terms and conditions are endemic across the gambling industry.’ Betfred was criticised in the judgment for trying to hide behind its terms and conditions, which Mr Green ticked on signing up. The small print said payouts would be void if there was a malfunction in the game.
Mr Green’s legal team said the details were not sufficiently clear or prominent, and Betfred had not refunded other customers who lost money after a glitch. Betfred said last night it will ‘abide by the court’s decision’.