Everyone wants to hit a jackpot at online casinos, no matter if they have earned it or not.  Graham Calvert, a 28 year old compulsive gambler, took William Hill to court with hopes of recovering over GBP 2 million in gambling losses.  The action only led to more trouble.  Having lost the case, Calvert know owes GBP 336,000 in legal fees.

Calvert is a Greyhound trainer.  He founded his case based on the claim that Will Hill failed in its “duty of care.  Unfortunately for Calvert, it was ruled that the gambling company had no responsibility for his losses.  It was further ruled that Calvert was to pay the GBP 336,000 in legal costs to Will Hill.

“William Hill's failure to take reasonable care to exclude him from telephone gambling did not therefore cause Mr. Calvert any measurable financial or other loss,” said the judge summarizing the ruling.  The ruling is reassuring.  Online casinos create a safe place for entertainment, but anything in excess can be dangerous.

Calvert was not only attempting to be compensated for financial losses, he attributed the loss of his wife, well-being, and livelihood to his unchecked gambling.  Online casinos cannot take responsibility for the actions of a few careless players.

He further accused William Hill of abusing his disorder to gain as much revenue as he would carelessly gamble away.  William Hill allegedly allowed Calvert to establish two new accounts and amass a history of wagers totaling GBP 3.5 million between the months of June and December 2006. 

William Hill spokesperson David Hood said, “We stated from the outset that there was no case to answer to Mr. Calvert. The judge found that no general duty of care is owed to problem gamblers and that Hills handling of Mr. Calvert's calls did not cause his loss.”