Compulsive gambler fails in compensation appeal

YNE AND WEAR, England -- As reported by the Daily Telegraph: "Graham Calvert, 29, a greyhound trainer from Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, claimed the bookie failed in its 'duty of care' by allowing him to continue telephone betting - and even to open a credit account - after he asked it to stop taking his money under its 'self-exclusion' policy for problem gamblers.

"Mr Calvert used make about £50,000 a year from greyhound bets.

"As he became more successful with his greyhound bets, he decided to turn his attention to golf, and wagered £347,000 on America winning the Ryder Cup in 2006 - Team USA was beaten soundly and he lost heavily.

"Then in an attempt to chase his losses, Mr Calvert lost £2 million in six months of compulsive betting, but he claimed he was able to do so even though he asked to be barred from their shops.

"Judges upheld a High Court ruling that had William Hill barred Mr Calvert, he would have ruined himself anyway..."