Case of €1.1 million – Female bettor Vs Bet365

A Northern Irish student, Megan McCann, has recently filed a lawsuit against the world renowned bookmaker Bet365. According to “The Telegraph”, the British bookie is refusing to pay out a winning bet of €1.1 million.

McCann insists that Bet365 owes to her €1,140,424.57 after having placing bets €28,184.28 on 12 different horses in various races.

On the other hand, Bet365 has refused to pay the out on the bets, claiming that McCann has committed a “flagrant breach” of their terms and conditions. They remain adamant in their claim that the original stake was provided by a “third party”.

The stake included bets on 12 horseraces, that took place on June 22, 2016. The Telegraph states that Bet365 originally had the intention to pay out on the bet. The newspaper also revealed that a bet365 representative congratulated her on her big “victory” on the Live Chat.

McCann said that Bet365 contacted her the following day. She answered some questions and they reassured her that she will receive her winnings within 48 hours. Nevertheless, the bookmaker suspended her account and did not even credit the original stake (€28,184.28).

Bet365 lawyers said: “You claim that this dispute is simply about your client placing a bet; and being entitled to winnings. This is wrong; it is a case in which your client has been operating the account... using the funds of and for the benefit of third parties, in flagrant breach of our client’s terms. Our client has reasonable grounds to suspect your client to be guilty of criminal offences including fraud by false representation; cheating or attempted cheating.”

A company representative has also said: “A full investigation has been carried out into the circumstances of the bet that was placed. Bet365 is entirely satisfied the circumstances are such that winnings are not payable in relation to it. We expect this position to be upheld at trial. We are not prepared to comment further whilst litigation is ongoing.”

In a legal letter seen by the newspaper, McCann’s legal team referred: “Our client’s case is very straightforward. She placed a bet with your client. She won. She is entitled to her winnings. Terms and conditions are too lengthy, too complex and much too vague for the average customer to understand”.