Gambler loses staggering £1.7million jackpot after system glitch on Betfred blackjack game
Andy Green, 51, racked up a £2,500 bill treating pals to celebrate his win - only to be told it was a mistake
A GAMBLER claims Betfred failed to pay him a £1.7million jackpot — then offered him £60,000 to keep quiet.
Andy Green, 51, said he “cried with joy” when staff initially confirmed his win.
But he was later told a systems glitch on a new blackjack game meant he had not won after all. Andy said: “I thought it was a joke. I was in total shock that it had been snatched away from me through no fault of my own.”
He had started playing Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven on his phone with £100 and playing £2.50 hands.
Six hours later he was betting £375 per hand before hitting the jackpot of £1,722,923.54. Andy called Betfred, who confirmed it — so he ran up a £2,500 bill treating pals to celebrate.
But four days after his win, Betfred called Andy, of Lincoln, to say there had been a mistake.
He was refunded the £2,500 he spent on pals as a goodwill gesture and says he was later offered £60,000 and asked to tell no one.
The semi-retired dad-of-two refused the cash and now intends to take legal action. He added: “They don’t want to pay. It’s a disgrace. I’m the little guy here.”
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
Betfred said the game “suffered a software malfunction and no legitimate jackpot win occurred”.
A spokesman added: “We have offered to discuss this unfortunate episode with Mr Green but this has not been taken up.”
GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]