In January 2018, Andy Green played blackjack on his phone using a program run by bookmaker Betfred. The 53 year-old from Lincolnshire hit a jackpot worth £1.7 million (US$2.2 million). However, the fortune of Green was short lived after Betfred refused to pay up, claiming the enormous win resulted from a malfunction in software.
After Betfred dangled two consolation prizes that Green refused—first for £30,000, then double the amount—he filed a suit before the High Court for the money plus interest, according to the BBC. Betfred insisted it could refuse payment due to a glitch, which is explained in the lengthy terms and conditions that Green had to agree to in order to play the game. The terms include a clause that all “pays and plays” would be void in the event of a “malfunction.”
But lawyers for Green say they have not received any proof there was a malfunction. Lawyer Peter Coyle said “whilst Betfred’s betting terms and conditions are incredibly complicated and span across numerous different documents, we are confident that, on their proper construction, the terms simply don’t allow for Betfred to withhold payment”.
Coyle pointed out that if “all pays and plays” were void, then Betfred would have refunded other customers, but the company had produced no evidence that had happened. “It only wanted to withhold Mr Green’s enormous win.”
Playtech provides the software for Betfred. By law, Playtech has to notify the Gambling Commission of Great Britain of the fault, known as a “key event.” The description of what happened is only four lines long and does not describe the nature of the problem.
Betfred has not proven a software problem or brought Playtech into the fray.
Green’s lawyers seek a summary judgment, which means the judge could decide the case without a trial. Betfred management will not comment on legal matters.
“The last two and a half years have felt like hell on earth,” said Green, who is in poor health. “You wouldn’t treat an animal like I’ve been treated by Betfred. Hopefully the judge will accept the arguments put forward by my legal team and this nightmare will be over.
Meanwhile, industry observers will be eyeing developments closely as regulators and leadership mull potential regulatory changes with regards to consumer interactions, advocacy and further customer safeguards, according to SBCNews.
