Paddy Power has been ordered to pay a woman more than £1 million after a five-year legal battle over a disputed jackpot payout. Corrinne Durber took on the betting company in court, and the High Court ruled in her favour, awarding her £1,076,867.57 that she had rightfully won while playing an online game during the Covid-19 pandemic. The dispute began when Corrinne placed a bet on the Alice in Wonderland-themed Wild Hatter game, winning the Monster Jackpot of £1,097,132.71. However, Paddy Power only paid out £20,265.24, claiming it was a glitch in their system.
Despite Paddy Power’s initial refusal to pay the full jackpot due to the alleged glitch, Corrinne sought legal advice and took her case to the High Court. The court found in her favour, ordering the betting company to pay her the full amount she had won. Corrinne expressed her relief and happiness following the court’s decision, criticising Paddy Power’s handling of the situation and warning others to be cautious when betting with the company. She highlighted the distress caused by the prolonged legal battle and questioned the integrity of betting companies that fail to honour big jackpot wins.
Peter Coyle, senior partner at Coyle White Devine, the law firm representing Corrinne, condemned Paddy Power’s actions, describing them as dishonest and abusive towards punters. He emphasised the importance of upholding consumer rights in the gambling industry and criticised betting companies for taking advantage of their customers. Coyle praised the court’s ruling and highlighted the need for stronger consumer protection laws to prevent betting companies from shirking their responsibilities to pay out winnings.
Corrinne’s case is not an isolated incident, as similar disputes have arisen in the gambling industry, where customers have been denied rightful winnings due to alleged technical errors. The court’s decision in Corrinne’s favour sets a precedent for holding betting companies accountable for honouring jackpot wins. Paddy Power has been urged to comment on the ruling, but they have not responded to requests for a statement at this time. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder to both punters and gambling companies of the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the betting industry.
Corrinne’s victory against Paddy Power highlights the challenges faced by consumers in disputes with large corporations and the significance of seeking legal recourse to uphold their rights. The case has sparked discussions around consumer protections in the gambling sector and the need for stricter regulations to prevent unfair practices by betting companies. As the legal battle comes to a close, Corrinne’s perseverance serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges in their pursuit of justice against powerful entities.