Flutter Entertainment recently emerged victorious in a significant legal battle as a UK High Court judge ruled in favor of the gambling company in a high-profile duty of care lawsuit. The case originated in 2021 when real estate developer Lee Gibson filed a lawsuit against Flutter, alleging that the company’s staff assisted him in circumventing problem betting protections.
Gibson’s gambling addiction began after he opened a Betfair Exchange account in 2009 and deposited £2.67m ($3.4m) over a five-year period. The lawsuit presented screenshots of conversations with Flutter’s staff, showing them offering various incentives to encourage Gibson to increase his gambling expenditure.
Flutter argued that Gibson had rejected multiple inquiries from staff regarding his gambling activities and had not activated any account restriction tools. The company also emphasized that there are no laws prohibiting them from offering bonuses, hospitality, or rewards to users.
Ultimately, High Court Judge Bird concurred with Flutter, stating that the company had not breached any regulatory conditions and does not have a duty of care obligation to players. This ruling sets a significant precedent for other operators facing similar claims from gamblers seeking reimbursement for past losses attributed to alleged player safety shortcomings.
This legal victory underscores Flutter Entertainment’s commitment to upholding industry regulations and standards while also highlighting the complex challenges surrounding responsible gambling practices. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between providing entertainment and ensuring the well-being of customers in the gambling industry.