Luke Ashton: Betfair Criticised by Coroner Over Gambler's Death
Luke Ashton: Betfair criticised by coroner over gambler's death
29 June 2023
ByDan Martin
BBC News
A coroner has actually found Betfair must have done more to help a gambling addict before he killed himself.
Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, passed away in April 2021 after building up big financial obligations wagering online.
An inquest heard he staked bigger amounts chasing his losses in the weeks before his death.
Coroner Ivan Cartwright stated he was concerned Betfair did not meaningfully communicate or step in when Mr Ashton's gaming activity surged.
He concluded gambling disorder was a reason for Mr Ashton's death.
Missed chances
The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had actually been betting more than 100 times a day, including early in the early morning and late in the evening when his partner was asleep.
He positioned 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he transferred ₤ 2,500.
Mr Cartwright stated: "He was evaluated as being a low-risk bettor although his activity was more intensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death.
"The operator did not step in or connect with Mr Ashton in any meaningful method.
"Betfair could have done more in the appropriate duration and should have done more in what I discover was an essential period between late January and April 2021.
"Opportunities were missed out on that could possibly have changed the outcome for Luke."
Mr Ashton's body was found in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his spouse reported him missing out on and his phone was tracked utilizing an app.
Betfair was called to offer evidence to the inquest as Mr Cartwright sought to develop whether the company's actions contributed to Mr Ashton's death.
Luke Ashton: Betfair criticised by coroner over gambler's death
29 June 2023
ByDan Martin
BBC News
A coroner has actually found Betfair must have done more to help a gambling addict before he killed himself.
Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, passed away in April 2021 after building up big financial obligations wagering online.
An inquest heard he staked bigger amounts chasing his losses in the weeks before his death.
Coroner Ivan Cartwright stated he was concerned Betfair did not meaningfully communicate or step in when Mr Ashton's gaming activity surged.
He concluded gambling disorder was a reason for Mr Ashton's death.
Missed chances
The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had actually been betting more than 100 times a day, including early in the early morning and late in the evening when his partner was asleep.
He positioned 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he transferred ₤ 2,500.
Mr Cartwright stated: "He was evaluated as being a low-risk bettor although his activity was more intensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death.
"The operator did not step in or connect with Mr Ashton in any meaningful method.
"Betfair could have done more in the appropriate duration and should have done more in what I discover was an essential period between late January and April 2021.
"Opportunities were missed out on that could possibly have changed the outcome for Luke."
Mr Ashton's body was found in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his spouse reported him missing out on and his phone was tracked utilizing an app.
Betfair was called to offer evidence to the inquest as Mr Cartwright sought to develop whether the company's actions contributed to Mr Ashton's death.