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 discovered Betfair needs to have done more to assist a gaming addict before he eliminated himself.
Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, passed away in April 2021 after developing up big debts betting online.
An inquest heard he staked bigger amounts chasing his losses in the weeks before his death.
Coroner Ivan Cartwright said he was worried Betfair did not meaningfully connect or intervene when Mr Ashton's betting activity surged.
He concluded betting condition was a cause of Mr Ashton's death.
Missed chances
The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had been wagering more than 100 times a day, consisting of early in the morning and late in the evening when his other half was asleep.
He placed 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he deposited ₤ 2,500.
Mr Cartwright said: "He was assessed as being a low-risk gambler although his activity was more intensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death.
"The operator did not step in or communicate with Mr Ashton in any significant method.
"Betfair could have done more in the pertinent period and must have done more in what I find was a turning point in between late January and April 2021.
"Opportunities were missed that might potentially have altered the result for Luke."
Mr Ashton's body was discovered in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his other half reported him missing and his phone was tracked using an app.
Betfair was contacted us to give proof to the inquest as Mr Cartwright sought to establish whether the company's actions added 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 discovered Betfair needs to have done more to assist a gaming addict before he eliminated himself.
Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, passed away in April 2021 after developing up big debts betting online.
An inquest heard he staked bigger amounts chasing his losses in the weeks before his death.
Coroner Ivan Cartwright said he was worried Betfair did not meaningfully connect or intervene when Mr Ashton's betting activity surged.
He concluded betting condition was a cause of Mr Ashton's death.
Missed chances
The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had been wagering more than 100 times a day, consisting of early in the morning and late in the evening when his other half was asleep.
He placed 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he deposited ₤ 2,500.
Mr Cartwright said: "He was assessed as being a low-risk gambler although his activity was more intensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death.
"The operator did not step in or communicate with Mr Ashton in any significant method.
"Betfair could have done more in the pertinent period and must have done more in what I find was a turning point in between late January and April 2021.
"Opportunities were missed that might potentially have altered the result for Luke."
Mr Ashton's body was discovered in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his other half reported him missing and his phone was tracked using an app.
Betfair was contacted us to give proof to the inquest as Mr Cartwright sought to establish whether the company's actions added to Mr Ashton's death.