Gambler given the OK to widen claim

Feb 28 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A COMPULSIVE gambler who lost more than £2m has been given permission by a High Court judge in London to seek “personal injury” damages from bookmaker William Hill as well as his losses.

Graham Calvert, a 28-year-old greyhound trainer from Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, is claiming the bookmaker allowed him to carry on betting after he asked them to stop taking his money under the bookies’ own self-exclusion policy.

His claim originally sought to get back just his losses to William Hill. But Mr Justice Briggs allowed Mr Calvert to alter his claim a week into his case against the bookmaker to include personal injury damages as well.

Mr Calvert claims he lost not only money but also his wife, health and livelihood. The decision could mean a substantial increase in any compensation if William Hill is found liable.

Mr Calvert, of Sedgeletch Farm, says he asked William Hill to close his account and ban him because he was addicted to gambling, which had become “too easy” after telephone bets were introduced.

Over a five-month period, he went on to lose more than £2m, including a single bet of £347,000 on America to win the Ryder Cup.

Anneliese Day, for Mr Calvert, had earlier alleged that William Hill had “aggravated” or caused Mr Calvert’s gambling addiction by allowing him to place wagers.

Mr Calvert is claiming he was a successful greyhound trainer who earned up to £30,000 a month before his life was ruined by his addiction.

Ms Day said William Hill owed Mr Calvert a “duty of care” because the bookmaker had a policy for dealing with problem gamblers.

William Hill is arguing that Mr Calvert’s acts were “voluntary” and caused his loss. Even if he had been excluded, he would have bet elsewhere, they argue.