High stakes gambler Lester Hui faces hefty £600,000 debt after losing court battle with London's Crown Aspinalls casino
In a significant ruling last week, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom sided with Crown Aspinalls, a prestigious private casino club located in the upscale Mayfair district of London, in a long-standing dispute with businessman Lester Hui. The decision could potentially set a precedent for future gambling lawsuits involving high rollers in the UK.
The dispute began in 2016 when Lester Hui, a frequent high-stakes Baccarat player, reportedly lost approximately 695,000 Euros at Crown Aspinalls. Hui, who refused to settle his debts with the casino, wrote a check for 589,724 GBP to cover the amount, but it bounced.
The case went to court, with Hui's defense strategy centering around the claim that the casino staff intentionally got him drunk to encourage him to gamble excessively. However, Justice Cotter of the Supreme Court stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the staff knew or should have known that Hui was too drunk to play. Furthermore, the judge believed it was unlikely that the staff should have had the impression that Hui was playing beyond his means.
Justice Cotter's ruling also stated that the staff did not breach their duty of care towards Hui, as they did not knowingly allow him to gamble beyond his means. This decision could potentially set a precedent in future UK casino lawsuits, making it more difficult for high rollers to claim that casinos are responsible for their excessive gambling.
Crown Aspinalls, which has been operating since the 1960s, is a private casino club that offers 16 gaming tables, a bar, and a restaurant. The proceeds from the operation of these facilities benefit local and social projects. The casino is now owned by the Australian company Crown Resorts.
The ongoing dispute between Lester Hui and Crown Aspinalls was scheduled to be decided in court in March 2023. However, with the Supreme Court's ruling in favour of Crown Aspinalls, the dispute is now resolved, and Lester Hui is required to pay back his gambling debts.
It is worth noting that in the past, Lester Hui has reportedly accepted the loss of six-figure sums while gambling. This case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with high-stakes gambling, and the importance of responsible gambling practices.
Crown Aspinalls, known for its luxurious and refined setting, continues to cater to its high-end clientele in the heart of London's Mayfair district. The casino's reputation as a prestigious gaming destination remains undiminished, despite this high-profile legal dispute.
- High rollers in Germany, too, enjoy playing casino-and-gambling games online, including poker, with opportunities for big-wins.
- Gambling-trends show a growing interest in sports and sports-betting, particularly in major cities like Las Vegas and Germany.
- As casino-culture continues to thrive, it's crucial to promote responsible-gambling practices to prevent situations like the one between Lester Hui and Crown Aspinalls from recurring.
- With lotteries emerging as popular options, the gambling industry is evolving, and the profiles of casino-personalities are becoming as diverse as the games themselves.
- Despite the legal battle, Crown Aspinalls maintains a strong presence, offering a range of casino-games and personalized experiences that attract a discerning clientele.
- Being aware of the risks, such as excessive gambling losses, is essential for those choosing to engage in casino-games, whether in prestigious clubs like Crown Aspinalls in London or in the comfort of one's home via onlinecasinos.
