Luke Ashton: Betfair Criticised by Coroner Over Gambler's Death Luke Ashton: Betfair criticised by coroner over bettor's death 29 June 2023 ByDan Martin BBC News A coroner has actually discovered Betfair needs to have done more to assist a betting addict before he eliminated himself. Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, died in April 2021 after building up huge financial obligations betting online. An inquest heard he staked larger sums chasing his losses in the weeks before his death. Coroner Ivan Cartwright said he was concerned Betfair did not meaningfully communicate or step in when Mr Ashton's gaming activity increased. He concluded betting condition was a cause of Mr Ashton's death. Missed chances The inquest, at Leicester City center, heard before he passed away, Mr Ashton had actually been betting more than 100 times a day, consisting of early in the morning and late in the evening when his spouse was asleep. He placed 1,229 bets in March 2021 and on one day of that month alone he transferred ₤ 2,500. Mr Cartwright said: "He was examined as being a low-risk bettor although his activity was more intensive in the 10 weeks prior to his death. "The operator did not step in or engage with Mr Ashton in any meaningful way. "Betfair could have done more in the pertinent period and ought to have done more in what I discover was a turning point between late January and April 2021. "Opportunities were missed that might perhaps have actually altered the outcome for Luke." Mr Ashton's body was found in a leased flat near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, after his better half reported him missing and his phone was tracked utilizing an app. Betfair was called to give evidence to the inquest as Mr Cartwright looked for to develop whether the company's actions added to Mr Ashton's death.