A gambler who won £1.7m from playing blackjack online is taking legal action against Fred Done's Betfred after the betting company refused to pay out.

Andrew Green, 52, scooped the whopping prize playing the game 'Frankie Dettori's Magic Seven' on the Betfred app.

He was so excited he went to his local pub - and racked up a bar bill of £2,500 celebrating.

But Mr Green's jubilation was transformed just four days later.

(Image: Getty Images)

He received a call from Betfred, founded by Salford-based businessman Fred Done, to say the company wouldn't be paying out on his winnings - and blaming a 'system malfunction' on the app, reports Lincolnshire Live.

Mr Green, from North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, told the BBC: "They're saying that they aren't showing anyone the malfunction. Well, pay me my money then.

"If you can't prove it, then pay me."

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Mr Green won the money on January 26 after playing on the app for six hours straight.

The legal battle may take up to another 18 months to be resolved.

Mr Green's solicitor, Peter Coyle, 50, said: "I'm going to take this all the way. Andy has been through a lot because of this. I'm going to fight tooth and nail."

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Mr Green is set to file a £1.7m lawsuit against the betting company, after completing preliminary court proceedings.

In a statement, Betfred said: "Betfred loves to pay out all our jackpot winners - both big and small.

"Unfortunately, and as Mr Green is aware, a new game release suffered a software malfunction in January this year and no legitimate jackpot win occurred.

"Given that Mr Green is currently exploring his legal options, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."

According to reports, Mr Green now has to find £10,000 in order to begin court proceedings, as the lawsuit is for such a high amount of money.