Operator News
UK – Aspinalls wins out as judge rules ‘blackout drunk’ player faked alcohol intake
By Phil - 7 August 2023
Mayfair casino Aspinalls has won out in a case where a high-roller claimed that he wasn’t liable for £600,000 of losses because he was ‘blackout drunk.’
High Court judge Mr Justice Cotter ruled that Lester Hui was indeed liable for his losses and ordered the £589,724 losses racked up playing double chance baccarat, be repaid.
Mr Hui, who has been a member of the private members’ club since 1998, was part of a high end player segment, offered ‘concierge service’ with complimentary food and drink.
Back on February 9, 2016, Mr Hui was present for a special meal at Aspinalls for Chinese New Year where he claims he drank three-and-a-half bottles of champagne and and five to ten shots of 53 per cent proof Mao Tai. He also claimed he had lodged a self-imposed request to only gamble £30,000.
The casino operator claimed however that Mr Hui was sober enough to make decisions and even drove after playing at the casino.
Mr Justice Cotter ruled that Mr Hui ‘significantly exaggerated the amount of alcohol he consumed,’ had in fact not drank Mao Tai and had drove 20 miles after being at the casino on the night in question.
He said: “I am satisfied that whatever Mr Hui did drink (which is probably very significantly less than he claims he drank), it did not have a readily observable effect upon him such that members of staff noticed, or should have noticed.”
