According to News UK, Andy Green, 51, racked up a £2,500 bill treating pals to celebrate his win, only to be told it was a mistake.

But he was later told a systems glitch on a new blackjack game meant he had not won after all. Andy said: “I thought it was a joke. I was in total shock that it had been snatched away from me through no fault of my own.”

He had started playing Playtech’s Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven on his phone with £100 and playing £2.50 hands.

Six hours later he was betting £375 per hand before hitting the jackpot of £1,722,923.54. Andy called Betfred, who confirmed it, so he ran up a £2,500 bill treating pals to celebrate.

But four days after his win, Betfred called Andy, of Lincoln, to say there had been a mistake. He was refunded the £2,500 he spent on pals as a goodwill gesture and says he was later offered £60,000 and asked to tell no one. He refused the cash and now intends to take legal action

Betfred said the game “suffered a software malfunction and no legitimate jackpot win occurred”. A spokesman added: “We have offered to discuss this unfortunate episode with Mr Green but this has not been taken up.”