Widow Criticizes Gambling Regulator’s ‘Insufficient’ Investigation

The spouse of a man who died by suicide has voiced criticism against the gambling regulatory body for its inaction concerning a betting firm. Luke Ashton, a 40-year-old resident of Leicester, passed away in 2021, leaving behind debts totaling £18,000. The previous year, a coroner raised concerns, stating that Betfair had overlooked chances to intervene following a significant increase in his gambling activity. Annie Ashton expressed shock upon learning earlier this month that the Gambling Commission would not pursue additional measures against Betfair. The regulatory body, in its statement, affirmed its commitment to “challenge the industry to make sure operators are interacting with customers and identifying early signs of harm”. Proceedings from an inquest conducted at Leicester Town Hall in June 2023 revealed that Mr. Ashton made 1,229 bets during March 2021, and on a single day within that month, he deposited £2,500 into his betting account. Mr. Ashton’s remains were discovered in a rented apartment near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, subsequent to his wife reporting his disappearance and his phone being located via an application. Following the inquest, Coroner Ivan Cartwright determined that gambling disorder contributed to Mr. Ashton’s death. This inquest was reportedly the first in the UK where a gambling company was designated an “interested party.” The coroner stated that Betfair had overlooked chances to “intervene meaningfully.” In a prevention of future deaths report issued subsequent to the inquest, he conveyed his apprehension that Betfair seemed to assess its obligations to customers based on industry [regulatory] standards, “rather than current good or best practice.” The document’s copies were additionally dispatched to the Gambling Commission and Lucy Frazer, who served as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the inquest took place. Following the inquest, a spokesperson for Flutter, the parent company of Betfair, indicated that a formal response would be provided. The spokesperson also noted that the company had implemented enhancements to its betting practice monitoring since early 2021, which would preclude a customer in Mr. Ashton’s situation from engaging in similar betting behavior. Legal representatives for Mrs. Ashton formally requested the Gambling Commission in August 2023 to initiate regulatory action, citing the concerns highlighted by the coroner. The regulatory body initially opted against pursuing additional action in March 2024, stating that the issues raised during the inquest had already been “adequately addressed.” Subsequently, however, it notified Mrs. Ashton that the decision had “mistakenly been made without considering the coroner’s findings and conclusion.” The watchdog communicated with her once more on 8 November, reiterating its determination that no additional regulatory intervention was required. Mrs. Ashton is currently contemplating legal proceedings. She stated: “The Gambling Commission’s failure to take any action in light of the serious failings identified at Luke’s inquest is an unacceptable failure to carry out its regulatory duties and gives rise to serious concerns about its fitness for purpose as a regulatory body which purportedly serves to protect the public from harm.” She further added: “Despite acknowledging the serious concerns in Luke’s case, [it] has taken well over a year to make a decision following the inquest and has now maintained that no regulatory action will be taken, for reasons which are entirely inadequate.” The Gambling Commission noted that Betfair “had been in special measures because of social responsibility and anti-money laundering issues” at the time of Mr. Ashton’s passing. This led to the company donating £635,123 to “charities furthering the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.” It stated: “Taking into account the action we have already taken and that new regulatory requirements are now in place, it was considered that no further action would be taken against the licensee in respect of this matter.” The commission added: “In line with our statutory duties, as the gambling regulator we will continue to take enforcement action, clamp down on irresponsible products, update our policies in line with best practice, and challenge the industry to make sure operators are interacting with customers and identifying early signs of harm.” A spokesperson for Flutter further commented: “We reiterate our sincere condolences to Mrs Ashton and her family over this tragic case.” The spokesperson continued: “Flutter UKI holds itself to the very highest standards in our industry and we have made a number of changes to our controls and player protections since early 2021.” They concluded: “Due to live legal proceedings, we are unfortunately unable to comment any further at this time.” For individuals impacted by the subjects discussed in this report, the BBC Action Line offers information regarding available support and advice services. 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