British Court Hears Problem Gambler's £1.5m Lawsuit Against Betfair

Lee Gibson, a multimillionaire buy-to-let property tycoon, is appealing a High Court decision that dismissed his claim against Betfair for failing to prevent his compulsive gambling losses totaling nearly £1.5 million over ten years. Gibson alleges Betfair had a duty of care to intervene sooner, especially since they treated him as a VIP with a personal relationship manager and provided incentives, thus creating a responsibility to protect him from financial harm. His legal team argues that Betfair knew or should have known about his problem gambling, citing evidence that he was chasing losses, borrowing money, and gambling beyond his means. Betfair denies these claims, asserting they followed appropriate policies and were unaware of Gibson's gambling disorder. The Court of Appeal is now considering the case, which could set a precedent clarifying the obligations of gambling companies to safeguard vulnerable customers. This case has significant implications for the online betting industry and the regulation of VIP programs that have been linked to encouraging problem gambling.