In September 2014 I was watching live football updates on Sky Sports while also placing bets via Betfair on my iPad.
As the matches were coming to an end I noticed that the odds for one team to win had changed to 12/1, and they happened to be winning by a few goals with just a few minutes left. It was a gift from the gambling gods; I immediately bet £50.
As expected, the team won and my account was credited with £600 plus my £50 stake. I suspected Betfair’s software had made a mistake, so I immediately transferred all my winnings to my bank account and spent it on a holiday.
A few days later my Betfair account showed a negative balance of -£593. Customer support said the bet had been resettled as the wrong odds had been given, and that I would need to pay back my winnings. I didn’t hear from the company again until August 2015 when it started regularly sending me emails advising that my account had a negative balance. I am concerned this could prompt debt collectors to be used.
As far as I am aware both parties entered a legal contract where Betfair offered me odds, and I clicked the proceed button to agree to this contract, therefore the company has no right to dispute this. I have heard countless stories of bookies refusing to pay out for similar reasons, but because it has actually paid me and is now wanting me to pay it back, I need to know where I stand. AW, Stirling
I’m sorry to have to tell you that Betfair has every right to reclaim the money. The clue is in its terms and conditions – these state that if you win as a result of human error or a software problem you must repay the money. In paying Betfair the £50 you were accepting those terms and conditions.
Gambling contracts became enforceable in 2007, which means Betfair could indeed pursue you through the courts. Nitin Khandhia, director in the civil litigation and dispute resolution department at BTMK solicitors, reckons the fact that Betfair handed over the money before the mistake was realised does not affect its right to recover it. If you are determined to fight, he suggests you try Betfair’s internal dispute resolution service and, if that fails, the Independent Betting Adjudication Service. However, if Betfair has not mentioned legal proceedings it might have decided it’s not worth the hassle, but do keep an eye on your credit rating.
If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.
