Court Rejects Property Tycoon’s $2M Appeal Against Betfair
Background of the Case
Lee Gibson, a wealthy property investor, lost approximately GBP 1.5 million (around $2 million) through sports betting activities. Over a span of ten years, mostly wagering on soccer matches from 2009 to 2019, he accumulated these losses. After Betfair suspended his betting account, Gibson initiated legal action seeking to reclaim a significant portion of these funds. He argued that Betfair should have identified him as a problem gambler and intervened to prevent his gambling escalation.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
In October 2025, Gibson filed a lawsuit against Betfair claiming the company failed in its duty by not recognizing signs of his gambling addiction. He insisted that Betfair either knew or ought to have known about his problem gambling status and therefore violated its licensing obligations by not taking reasonable steps to protect him from further financial harm.
Outcome of the Appeal
Gibson’s appeal was reviewed by the Court of Appeal, including Chancellor Sir Colin Birss, Lord Justice Popplewell, and Sir Julian Flaux. They examined five grounds of appeal but ultimately determined that the case hinged on whether Betfair breached its licence conditions. The court found no evidence of such breach and dismissed Gibson’s appeal.
Judge’s Findings
Judge Nigel Bird, who initially handled the case, found that Gibson had consistently assured Betfair of his financial capability to support his betting losses. There was no information provided that contradicted this claim. The appellate court agreed with Judge Bird’s thorough assessment and concluded his judgment was well-founded and free from error.
Significance of the Verdict
The court underscored that there was no basis to believe Betfair knew or should have known that Gibson was a problem gambler. It confirmed that Betfair acted appropriately based on the data it had at the time. This ruling is significant as a precedent since, had Gibson succeeded, it might have set a pathway for other gamblers to seek recovery for their losses.
