A compulsive gambler who lost more than £2 million has been given permission by a judge to seek "personal injury" damages from bookmaker William Hill as well as his losses.
Graham Calvert, a 28-year-old greyhound trainer, is claiming the bookmaker allowed him to carry on betting after he asked them to stop taking his money under the bookies' own self-exclusion policy.
His claim originally sought to get back just his losses to William Hill.
But Mr Justice Briggs allowed Mr Calvert to alter his claim a week into his case against the bookmaker to include personal injury damages as well.
Mr Calvert claims he lost not only money but also his wife, health and livelihood.
The decision could mean a substantial increase in any compensation if William Hill is found liable.
Mr Calvert, 28, of Sedgeletch Farm, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne and Wear, says he asked William Hill to close his account and ban him because he was addicted to gambling, which had become "too easy" after telephone bets were introduced.
Over a five-month period, he went on to lose more than £2 million, including a single bet of £347,000 on America to win the Ryder Cup.
Anneliese Day, for Mr Calvert, had earlier alleged that William Hill had "aggravated" or caused Mr Calvert's gambling addiction by allowing him to place wagers.
Although Mr Calvert will not be seeking loss of earnings from William Hill, he does want compensation for what his legal team have described as a "medical condition".
