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 discovered Betfair must have done more to assist a gaming addict before he eliminated himself.
Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, died in April 2021 after building up substantial financial obligations wagering online.
An inquest heard he staked larger sums chasing his losses in the weeks before his death.
Coroner Ivan Cartwright stated he was worried Betfair did not meaningfully connect or intervene when Mr Ashton's gambling activity surged.
He concluded gambling disorder was a reason for Mr Ashton's death.
Missed opportunities
The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had actually been betting more than 100 times a day, consisting of early in the morning and late at night when his other half was asleep.
He positioned 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he deposited ₤ 2,500.
Mr Cartwright stated: "He was evaluated as being a low-risk gambler although his activity was more extensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death.
"The operator did not intervene or communicate with Mr Ashton in any significant way.
"Betfair could have done more in the appropriate period and must have done more in what I find was a vital duration in between late January and April 2021.
"Opportunities were missed out on that might perhaps have actually changed the result for Luke."
Mr Ashton's body was discovered in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his partner reported him missing and his phone was tracked using an app.
Betfair was called to offer evidence to the inquest as Mr Cartwright sought to develop whether the firm'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 discovered Betfair must have done more to assist a gaming addict before he eliminated himself.
Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, died in April 2021 after building up substantial financial obligations wagering online.
An inquest heard he staked larger sums chasing his losses in the weeks before his death.
Coroner Ivan Cartwright stated he was worried Betfair did not meaningfully connect or intervene when Mr Ashton's gambling activity surged.
He concluded gambling disorder was a reason for Mr Ashton's death.
Missed opportunities
The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had actually been betting more than 100 times a day, consisting of early in the morning and late at night when his other half was asleep.
He positioned 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he deposited ₤ 2,500.
Mr Cartwright stated: "He was evaluated as being a low-risk gambler although his activity was more extensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death.
"The operator did not intervene or communicate with Mr Ashton in any significant way.
"Betfair could have done more in the appropriate period and must have done more in what I find was a vital duration in between late January and April 2021.
"Opportunities were missed out on that might perhaps have actually changed the result for Luke."
Mr Ashton's body was discovered in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his partner reported him missing and his phone was tracked using an app.
Betfair was called to offer evidence to the inquest as Mr Cartwright sought to develop whether the firm's actions contributed to Mr Ashton's death.