London High Court Rules Paddy Power Must Pay £1m Jackpot to Lucky Player

Article by : SlotsUp Team Mar 26, 2025

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In a stunning turn of events, Gloucestershire gardener Corrin Durber struck gold in October 2020 while playing the online slot The Wild Hatter. Her prize? A jaw-dropping £1,097,133. But what started as a dream come true quickly turned sour when betting giant Paddy Power refused to hand over the full sum, citing a “system glitch” and offering just £20,264 instead.

Unwilling to accept the operator’s excuse, Durber took her fight to the High Court of London. The case didn’t just capture headlines — it ignited a firestorm of debate across the gaming world, spotlighting issues of fairness, accountability, and player rights in the digital gaming realm.

The Court’s Game-Changing Decision

Presiding over the case, Judge Andrew Ritchie didn’t mince words. His ruling was crystal clear: the software powering online casino sites falls squarely under the operator’s control. If a technical hiccup occurs, players shouldn’t bear the cost. In a decisive victory for Durber, the court mandated Paddy Power to pay the full £1 million-plus jackpot, rejecting the notion that system errors could justify withholding winnings.

This wasn’t just a win for one player — it set a powerful legal benchmark. The verdict underscored that casino operators can’t dodge their duties by pointing fingers at faulty tech, reinforcing the principle that contractual promises to players must be honored.

Ripple Effects Across the Gaming Landscape

The ruling sent shockwaves through the online gaming sector. Industry insiders warn that such disputes could erode confidence in digital casinos if operators don’t own up to their shortcomings. Players, meanwhile, are hailing the decision as a victory for consumer rights, proving that legal recourse can level the playing field against corporate heavyweights.

Regulators are taking note, too. The case could pave the way for tighter oversight and stricter standards, ensuring sites prioritize reliability and transparency. For casinos, it’s a wake-up call: technical glitches aren’t a free pass to shirk responsibility.

Why This Matters

Corrin Durber’s journey from jackpot winner to courtroom champion is more than a feel-good story — it’s a testament to standing up for what’s right. Her win not only secured her life-changing prize but also strengthened protections for players everywhere. As the dust settles, her case stands as a bold reminder to the industry: fair play isn’t optional, and operators must answer for the systems they run.

This landmark ruling could reshape how online casino operates, putting power back in the hands of players and holding companies accountable for delivering on their promises. For Durber, it’s a well-earned triumph — and for the rest of us, a lesson in justice prevailing.