Derek, a long-time customer of major gambling platforms, took a stand against unfair practices by two of Australia’s biggest betting companies. After a long legal battle, Derek* successfully received substantial compensation from the two betting companies for their unconscionable conduct. With our legal representation, Derek successfully sued two betting companies for unfair practices.
Gambling addict sues betting companies in Australia
Derek lost a large sum due to aggressive gambling tactics employed by two betting companies. The operators failed to inquire whether Derek could sustain such losses and continued to encourage him to gamble. With our help, Derek sued both companies for their unfair actions, leading to a favourable settlement.
Derek was a regular user of betting mobile applications. Over several years, he suffered significant financial losses due to his growing gambling addiction. Between the two betting companies, Derek lost a substantial amount. The companies also constantly promoted gambling through notifications, emails, and bonus offers.
Growing gambling addiction
Derek’s gambling patterns changed drastically in 2017. He started making increasingly large deposits and spending long hours on the apps. Despite this clear sign of a gambling addiction, neither company stepped in to help.
They never asked Derek if he had the financial means to support his losses. Moreover, they did not suggest that he seek assistance for his gambling addiction. Instead, they continued to send him bonus offers and encouraged him to keep gambling.
Gambling addict sues betting companies
For example, one betting company assigned Derek a personal account manager. They frequently contacted Derek to entice more betting. At no point did this account manager or anyone else from the company express concern about Derek’s gambling behaviour. Even after Derek had gambled away all his savings, the companies failed to intervene.
We argued that the gambling companies acted unconscionably under Section 21 of the Australian Consumer Law. They should have recognised the signs of problem gambling and acted responsibly. By failing to do so, they breached their duty of care to Derek. Furthermore, both companies encouraged Derek’s addiction by offering him bonus bets and promotional incentives, even as his losses mounted.
Derek’s case set a precedent. Our team at O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors argued that the betting companies’ actions were not just careless, but unconscionable. Over a series of informal negotiations, the matter was settled in favour of our client. Derek was thrilled with the outcome, which marked a significant win for consumers who have fallen victim to aggressive gambling practices.
This outcome highlights the accountability that gambling operators must bear when their actions exploit vulnerable customers. The case set an important precedent in the fight against unconscionable conduct in the gambling industry.
Lawyer for gambling addict sues betting company
If you or someone you know has experienced similar issues, contact our team. Enquire online or call O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors on (02) 9261 4281. We can also set up a free appointment with the civil lawyers in our Sydney office.
*Details have been changed to protect our client’s privacy.
