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Widow of gambling addict takes Betfair to court in possible landmark UK case

Widow of gambling addict takes Betfair to court in possible landmark UK case

Summary

The widow of Luke Ashton, who died after losing £18,000 due to gambling, has started a legal case against Betfair. The family claims Betfair failed to protect him despite signs of his gambling problem, which could create new rules for gambling companies in the UK.

Key Facts

  • Luke Ashton, from Leicester, died in 2021 after losing large amounts of money gambling with Betfair.
  • His family claims Betfair was negligent by not stopping his losses or helping him.
  • Betfair denies responsibility, saying Ashton did not tell them about his gambling disorder.
  • Ashton lost £21,777 over three years and placed over 1,000 bets in one month in 2021.
  • He used self-exclusion options but returned to gambling when they ended.
  • The family is seeking £846,478 in damages, including lost future earnings.
  • A 2023 inquest criticized Betfair for not doing more to intervene in Ashton's gambling.
  • If successful, this case could lead to more claims against UK gambling companies.
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