Millionaire Sues Betfair Over £1.5 Million Gambling Losses
A British property tycoon is suing Betfair, one of the UK’s largest bookmakers, alleging the company failed to protect him from a decade-long gambling spree that resulted in nearly £1.5 million in losses.
Lee Gibson, 47, of Leeds, claims Betfair had a duty of care to intervene due to his “VIP” status and the volume of his betting activity – over 30,000 wagers placed through the company’s betting exchange between 2009 and 2019. He is seeking approximately £1 million in damages. Yesterday, the case was heard in the Court of Appeal after being dismissed in the High Court last year. His lawyer, Yash Kulkarni KC, argued that Betfair “knew or ought to have known” Gibson was a “problem gambler,” especially given his assigned relationship manager and the patterns of “chasing his losses.”
Kulkarni told the court that Gibson’s betting focused on “correct score” football markets, sometimes involving obscure games and bets up to £20,000. He further argued that Betfair exploited Gibson’s betting habits by offering bonuses and incentives. The case hinges on whether Betfair assumed a responsibility to protect Gibson given his VIP status and the level of interaction with a dedicated account manager – a practice common in the online gambling industry. This case could set a precedent for how gambling companies manage and protect vulnerable customers, potentially leading to stricter regulations.
Betfair maintains that Gibson consistently reassured them of his ability to fund his gambling and actively misled the company about the extent of his losses. The High Court previously found insufficient evidence to support the claim that Betfair should have recognized Gibson’s addiction. The Court of Appeal, comprised of Sir Julian Flaux and Lords Justice Popplewell and Birss, is currently considering the arguments. You can find more information about responsible gambling resources at GamCare and the UK Gambling Commission.
A judgment in the case has been reserved and is expected to be delivered at a later date.
