Betfair algorithm failed to flag gambling addict before his suicide
Luke Ashton, a 40-year-old gambling addict from Leicester, died by suicide in April 2021 after building up huge debts betting online. An inquest found that Betfair's algorithm assessed him as low risk and did not intervene despite intensive betting activity. The coroner criticised Betfair for missed opportunities and said the company should have done more. Betfair denied wrongdoing but has since introduced additional safeguards.
- Date it happened
- 2021-04-01
- Organisation involved
- Betfair
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