Have you ever been involved in a lawsuit?

[MichaelCorfman]

Todays, I noticed the following thread, started about a half year ago:

Man denied £1.7 million payout takes Betfred to High Court

Last month the high court ruled in favor of the player, which is why there has been recent activity in the thread.

For my part, besides reading the thread and background information, I wondered how often folks are actually engaged in lawsuits. Not necessarily large ones like this, but any sort of lawsuit at all.

So, this week's poll is about whether you have ever filed a lawsuit against anyone or had a lawsuit filed against you, and whether you have actually had a case you were involved with argued before a judge or magistrate.

Besides voting in the poll, I invite you to share details of any court cases you have been involved with in a post in this thread. Or any thoughts you have about the legal systems and how it works (or doesn't work) from your perspective.

Speaking for myself, as many folks here know, many years ago I was actually involved in a pretty significant lawsuit. In fact, I originally joined the GPWA partly to share information about the suit with folks here. You can see that post here: Casino City Sues US DOJ for Right to Advertise Online Gaming

Since that time I've personally been on both on the receiving and initiating side of a number of lawsuits. Not that I'm the litigious type - I'm not, but neither do I shy away when it's and issue where a reasonable compromise is not in the cards. And, I also deal with the usual set of cease and desist requests that media outlets tend to receive (for example, the periodic requests from payment processors that don't like their brand associated with online gaming that we always rebuff). But those have all been pretty boring next to our lawsuit against the US DOJ.

Michael

[rmeeuwsen]

Twice sued and never a plaintiff.

In the US, if you are sued by someone with more money or desire than you - then you are SOL (sorry out of luck).

Just to answer the lawsuit you are asked for a min. $5K retainer. Right or wrong, does not matter. Bully tactics are rife. Leave me out of it!

Just plead insanity, senility or poverty (hey, all true).

[MichaelCorfman]

]In the US, if you are sued by someone with more money or desire than you - then you are SOL (sorry out of luck).

Just to answer the lawsuit you are asked for a min. $5K retainer. Right or wrong, does not matter. Bully tactics are rife. Leave me out of it!

I guess it depends on the attorney and the issue. I've handled almost all court matters I've been involved with personally, and have a good track record doing that. There were two cases I've been involved with where an attorney was paid (The DOJ case I mentioned above was one of them, but that was with funding from an industry operator). In the other case, I ended up with attorney fees that were less than what you mention - I paid the attorney on an hourly basis. I actually handled one case in front of a judge that spanned two days where I was the defendant with a seasoned attorney on the other side, and won. Of course, it took time, since I did a good job researching the applicable laws in advance, prepared and filed the written answer, and presented a solid defense. It was my way of avoiding being bullied.

Michael

[mickyfu]

The legal system is a joke, especially when it comes down to money. However, he who laughs last.

[footyguru365]

Never been involved in one and hope I never have to be!

[Cash Bonus]

I've never had the misfortune of ever being caught up in a lawsuit. They just try to strip anyone of their money as much as possible. Court costs, lawyers, etc. Ugh!

[ChrisB]

Have been involved in loads, 10+, with some heavyweight opponents like Camelot and New York Lotto. Only way not to be bullied is to employ your own Rottweiler. Sadly it costs, but it means we've never lost one. Like all bullies, when faced with somebody who doesn't back down, they suddenly become meeker and more reasonable.

[Syndicate]

From keeping Betting shops/agents (Germany) open, and fighting against a State monopoly - i have been to court around 25 times (high court too).

With regards to getting gambling debts from UK registered bookmakers, i'm 4-0 with everyone agreeing to pay. In Italy/Malta, we are currently involved in chasing an Austrian company.

For non paying affiliates, i never took one to court. In my opinion, it would be more complex, and i'm a percentage player when it comes to time and costs! However, if i was a major affiliate, i would think different. The most i've been stiffed for is contract withdrawals, and about €22K from an Asian agent!

[Nenad]

I have never been involved in this. Hope never will...

[Pokerface]

I have sued someone before and won but have never been taken to court personally.

[Dsquared]

I have not been involved in one either side, thankfully... And hope I never will. That said, if I felt a case was needed for justice etc., I wouldn't shy away from the idea. But they don't sound like a pleasant experience.

[casinoportal]

Only once years ago by a company that sold advertising, basically what they promised was far from what they delivered. So I did a chargeback, they then took me to court and won. Lesson learned, do your research and always read the very small print in contracts, they cover there backs very well.

[DarkHorse-SB]

Uff never have and hope I never will...