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Accountant alleges Sportsbet induced gambling in civil claim
An accountant who allegedly defrauded his clients out of $26 million has commenced a Federal Court civil claim against Sportsbet.
Naomi Neilson
Counsel for Carters Tax Advisory founder Benjamin Leigh Carter appeared in court on Monday morning (25 September) for the first case management hearing of a matter expected to begin next year.
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Mr Carter is alleging Sportsbet engaged in unconscionable conduct by offering him “inducements” to keep gambling.
His counsel told the court the betting giant “at all material times” was likely to know of Mr Carter’s habits and alleged they have documents “pertaining to the knowledge” that his client had insufficient funds.
During the hearing, Justice Shaun McElwaine questioned whether Mr Carter knew of the “risks” of advancing the civil case while criminal charges were still on foot, but his counsel was unable to comment.
Instead, he flagged additional time may be needed.
Mr Carter is yet to enter a plea to the criminal charges.
The parties are expected to target the “real issues” in the civil matter and are scheduled to appear back in court next March.
In prior Supreme Court hearings, Mr Carter alleged Sportsbet ignored his lack of funds and offered him inducements to continue gambling, including cross-country flights, VIP treatment, and corporate box seats at key events or headline races.
A video obtained by Nine late last month showed Mr Carter on a night out with Sportsbet chief executive Barni Evans, which was allegedly one of many interactions Mr Evans had with “VIPs”.
