The familiar gambling adages “chances are you’re about to lose” and “you win some, you lose more” could be applied to a Local Court dispute involving three people and approximately $45,000 in gambling losses, legal costs, and prospective poker winnings.
In a legally novel decision addressing questions the courts had not previously considered, Judge Scott Nash of the NSW Local Court found in favour of the defendants, while noting it came at a “financial cost that may diminish the practical value of their victory”.
The long-time wagering relationship between applicant Gary Benson and first defendant Michael O’Grady broke down over significant debts, leading to the commencement of Local Court proceedings and a judgment sum…