Gambler Loses Legal Challenge against Aspinall’s Club

Just like with driving, drinking alcohol doesn’t mix well with gambling. A London-based businessman that gambled away more than half a million dollars in a single night at a casino, claimed that the loss was because he was “too drunk to gamble.” The incident involves Lester Hui and dates back to February 2016 when he visited the premium private members’ club, Aspinalls.

The businessman claimed that he had several shots of a strong Chinese “firewater” drink that ultimately clouded his judgment and resulted in losses. On the unfortunate night, he signed a blank cheque that the gambling venue wasn’t able to cash, resulting in a legal battle over Hui’s gambling debt of nearly £600,000 ($754,600).

Now, it looks like this legal fight has come to an end, following a court’s decision in favor of Aspinalls. High Court judge Mr Justice Cotter ruled in favor of the casino, confirming that the businessman was indeed liable for his losses after playing a double chance baccarat.

According to Cotter, Hui “significantly exaggerated the amount of alcohol he consumed.” Additionally, the judge pointed out: “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.”

Remembering the alleged incident dating to 2016, Hui previously claimed that he consumed a lot of alcohol. According to the Daily Mail, he said: “I have a memory of the beginning of the evening but after the games and drinking the Mao Tai I was totally out.” Additionally, he claimed that he drank a few bottles of champagne, along with the “firewater” shots. Those statements were rejected by the casino’s defense and employees present during the trial.

Similarly, in his recent decision, the judge said Hui not only “significantly exaggerated the amount of alcohol he consumed” but also did not drink the strong Mao Tai alcohol. Justice Cotter also explained that the businessman used his car to drive back home approximately 20 miles away on the night of the alleged incident.

Judging by the latest decision, it is likely that this legal fight has come to an end.