A 76-year-old grandfather suffered a heart attack after a £285,700 online casino win was declared a glitch by William Hill, leaving him hospitalised and devastated. John Riding, from Burnley, thought his dreams had come true when he hit the jackpot on Cherry Bonanza, but the money vanished within 24 hours.
Riding, a father of two and charity worker, had planned to use the winnings to move closer to his grandchildren and take his family on holiday to St Ives. He said: 'I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe it, it felt like a dream.' However, after the balance was removed via a 'manual adjustment', he collapsed and was rushed to hospital.
His son Adam Riding described the ordeal as 'unbearable', adding: 'The shock of that has been unbearable. It’s not just about the money, it’s the way it’s been handled.' William Hill cited a malfunction in its casino game, voiding transactions under its terms and conditions.
Solicitor Paul Kanolik from Ellis Jones said 50 affected punters are considering a class action. 'It has been understandably devastating for customers,' he said, noting some had already spent the money before being asked to repay it within 72 hours.
Riding remains in hospital, with his family 'terrified' they might lose him. His wife Glynis recalled his initial joy, but the stress of the reversed win proved too much.
