Bet365 challenge over student's claim for more than £1 million in winnings

Bet365, being sued for refusing to pay out more than £1 million on a student's winning bet, are mounting a legal bid to have part of her action struck out, the High Court heard on Friday.

Counsel for the bookmaker confirmed a pre-trial application will be made in the lawsuit brought in Belfast by Megan McCann.

McCann, who lives near the city, claims she is owed £1,009,960 in winnings.

She was said to be 19 when she staked almost £25,000 on 12 horses running in four races in June 2016. But bet365 refused to pay out, believing her stake was supplied by a third party, in breach of its terms and conditions.

In a writ issued against bet365's parent company, McCann alleges breach of contract and seeks damages in excess of £1m.

Although proceedings are still at an early stage, the case came before a court for the first time on Friday.

Counsel for bet365, Peter Hopkins, revealed an attempt will be made to have the case against the firm reduced before it reaches trial. He told a High Court Master: "The application [will be] to strike out part of the statement of claim."

No further details about the action or the legal move were disclosed during the brief hearing. The case is due back in court in March to fix a date for hearing the application.

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