Insights & News

Gambler’s luck runs out

A man who lost £2m at a casino failed to escape liability for his debt because he could not prove his gambling addiction

Wealthy businessman Safa Al Geabury indulged in a “frantic gambling spree” at the Ritz Hotel Casino on 19 February 2014, signing a £2m cheque for roulette chips. His request for a further £5m in credit was refused. He did not honour the cheque, and claimed he is a gambling addict who had, in 2009, asked to be banned for life from a range of casinos through a voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) agreement. Al Geabury claimed in court that an agreement for life could not be terminated.

The Ritz sued him for the unpaid sum plus interest, which was running at £438 per day.

He counterclaimed for £3.4m, or £5.4m if he was deemed liable for the cheque, with the argument that the Ritz unlawfully breached the terms of its licensing agreement by allowing him to game.

However, Mrs Justice Simler ruled against Al Geabury, in Ritz Hotel Casino v Al Geabury [2015] EWHC 2294 (QB).

Expert evidence and analysis of his gambling records brought before the court demonstrated that he had no gambling addiction.

Simler J said he: “Failed to establish that he had any gambling disorder at any material time and ultimately accepted that he never told any of the casino staff about any such problem. He was the author of his own misfortunes.” There was no general duty of care and no negligence, since the casino could not reasonably have known he was a problem gambler.

She added that the facts of the case were “highly unusual and unlikely to be repeated”.

The Ritz Club said in a statement that it was “committed to ensuring the strictest standards of care towards both our customers and staff at all times”.

Story: www.newlawjournal.co.uk

– Danielle Munroe

More Articles

How the written word could help your business

Announcing our new Private Crime Department

How family solicitors in Amersham can help you

05 December 2019

Family solicitor attributes and what to look for

29 October 2019

Continuing success for CWD’s employment department

15 November 2018

Another outstanding testimonial for the criminal department

Court of Appeal Rubs Salt in Stratstone's Wounds

Guiding you towards an amicable solution with a trustworthy family solicitors in Amersham

What does family law entail?

Advice from a family solicitor in Amersham

07 November 2019

What does a family solicitor in Amersham do?

21 November 2019

What according to an Amersham family solicitor are the most common reasons for family breakups?

24 October 2019

The UK construction industry, insolvency, and the Labour Manifesto

The UK construction industry, insolvency, and the Labour Manifesto

Recent Developments in Employment Law

VW emissions scandal widens to include Porsche claims

$2.2 Million Customer Dispute With Betfred Going to Summary Judgment

$2.2 Million Customer Dispute With Betfred Going to Summary Judgment

23 October 2020

Finding a Family Solicitor in Amersham who is right for you

CWD's Peter Coyle's appearances on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Wales

Family solicitors in Amersham - helping family disputes

17 December 2019

How to avoid making a dogs dinner of choosing a company name

Continuing success for the CWD Criminal Department!

Take the best way forward with family solicitors in Amersham you can trust

Are you going through a messy divorce? Let us help you through the worst of it

08 October 2019

CWD Client Wins £1 Million Battle Against Paddy Power

CWD Client Wins £1 Million Battle Against Paddy Power

Another success for the CWD Criminal Department

13 December 2017

Peter Coyle - Times Lawyer of the Week

Need help with a postnuptial dispute? Coyle White Devine family solicitors can help

12 September 2019

Divorce proceedings with a family solicitor in Amersham

05 November 2019

And they’re off! Betfred sued by £1.7m ‘winner’

23 October 2020

The legal side to ending a relationship when you cohabitate

15 October 2019

Tips on how to keep your divorce civil and non-confrontational

DAVID V GOLIATH – CWD helps Lincolnshire man take on the might of Betfred

20 November 2018

Betfred gambler in High Court battle over £1.7m payout he never received

23 October 2020

ANDY GREEN V BETFRED – COVERAGE BY THE DAILY MAIL, THE SUN, THE MIRROR, THE DAILY STAR, AND THE DAILY RECORD

23 November 2018

The legal advantages of getting a prenuptial agreement at Coyle White Devine

24 September 2019

Reach an amicable divorce using family solicitors Amersham

Missed out on a prenuptial agreement? Coyle White Devine’s guide to postnuptial agreements

05 September 2019

CWD Crime Team - Health and Safety Executive Interviews

04 December 2017

Double the Success for the Private Crime Team as CPS Squeezed into Discontinuing

How family solicitors in Amersham can help with the issue of children during divorce

24 December 2019

A family solicitor in Amersham can advise on other ways to separate

14 November 2019

Divorces and financial settlements How Coyle White Devine can help you with negotiations and resolution

26 September 2019

How family solicitors in Amersham can help you to protect your assets

10 December 2019

Guiding you through troubled waters thanks to our expert family solicitors in Amersham

ANDY GREEN V BETFRED (DAVID VS GOLAITH) – MORE MEDIA COVERAGE FROM THE BBC

22 November 2018

Relieving financial pressure through an expert family solicitors in Amersham

Looking for family solicitors Amersham?

Questions you should ask a family solicitor before hiring them

17 October 2019

Dos and don’ts of pre-nuptial agreements as suggested by our Amersham Family Solicitors

22 October 2019

What should I expect from Family Solicitors in Amersham?

12 December 2019

Does a family solicitor in Amersham understand my pain?

12 November 2019

Private Crime Team Success Continues in 2016

Corporate Insolvency - Ensuring the Appointment of Administrators is Valid

'eBay-style' online courts could resolve smaller claims

Case of Betfred refusing £1.7m payment to customer going to summary judgment in October

23 October 2020

Coyle White Devine defeat Betfred in High Court Battle

Coyle White Devine defeat Betfred in High Court Battle

CWD Company Update

12 February 2020

The legal system is broken: Why are fees increasing but service and support decreasing?

The legal system is broken: Why are fees increasing but service and support decreasing?

27 October 2023

Ways in which family solicitors in Amersham can assist with your divorce case

19 December 2019

Single dad refused £1.7 million Betfred payout over 'glitch' takes bookies to court

23 October 2020

Licence and Liberty Saved

Blackjack gambler who won £1.7m with Betfred but never received a penny after firm blamed software glitch could be days away from getting his winnings at High Court

23 October 2020

Questions you should ask yourself when getting divorced

Betfred customer denied £1.7million prize due to 'glitch' takes case to court

23 October 2020

Legal aid abolishment

Legal aid abolishment

27 October 2023

Helping you find the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to our family solicitors in Amersham

Resolve your financial disputes professionally through reliable family solicitors in Amersham

Putting the fun into fundraising in 2016

Social media platforms, free speech, and UK law: Who is accountable?

Social media platforms, free speech, and UK law: Who is accountable?

27 September 2024

Need help with child custody? How our solicitors at Coyle White Devine can help you

17 September 2019

Could mediation be your ticket to a hassle-free divorce?

Private Crime Team's Hard Work Pays Off Again

ANDY GREEN V BETFRED – Peter Coyle’s Interview with The Gambling Insider

23 November 2018

Success for the CWD Criminal Department!

Emphatic Success for Coyle White Devine's Private Crime Team

How do you get divorced?

10 October 2019

How does a family solicitor in Amersham support my family during a divorce?

26 November 2019

Sports law in the UK: A brief guide to the regulations that govern football

Sports law in the UK: A brief guide to the regulations that govern football

Sorry seems to be the hardest word for Katie Hopkins after defaming journalist on Twitter

CWD Law secures £1m+ win after 3-year battle with Paddy Power

CWD Law secures £1m+ win after 3-year battle with Paddy Power

ANDY GREEN V BETFRED- THE MEDIA COVERAGE CONTINUES WITH THE TIMES

23 November 2018

Announcement from Peter Coyle

23 October 2019

Keeping your head above water thanks to our quality family solicitors in Amersham

Straightforward support by your family solicitors in Amersham

03 December 2019

Why do I need a family solicitor in Amersham?

19 November 2019

Have you been a victim of domestic abuse? Ways to find the best solicitor to represent you

10 September 2019

Looking for a reliable solicitor firm in Amersham? Reasons to choose Coyle White Devine

19 September 2019

ANDY GREEN v BETFRED – more media coverage

21 November 2018

Customer Takes Betfred to High Court After Being Denied £1.7m Prize

23 October 2020