Overview
- A system malfunction during Gala Bingo’s Summer Nights promotion swelled the jackpot from £150 to £1.6 million for about two hours on August 4, crediting prizes to more than 1,100 players.
- Under its terms and conditions, the operator voided all erroneous winnings, refunded ticket fees and offered affected users £20 in bonuses.
- Gala Bingo has reported the error to the Gambling Commission and is cooperating with an ongoing probe into its software controls and consumer protections.
- Many players, including single parents and pensioners, said they had planned to use the now-cancelled funds for rent, medical tests, car payments or pet care.
- Outraged customers have left negative reviews online and some are exploring legal action over the rescinded payouts.