The Ritz sues indebted customers after suffering 2013 operating loss

Ritz Club sued a number of players last year, after a series of unpaid gambling debts impacted on its financial results in 2013.

According to the Evening Standard, the London casino took High Court action against 10 individuals in 2014, as opposed to legal proceedings being carried out against one person each in 2012 and 2013.

The casino made an operating loss of £12.5m in 2013, which was put down to “significant non-recoverable gaming debts”, but it was also mentioned that “in time, they will be recovered”, while the hotel made a £9.6m operating profit in the same period.

Turnover increased for the Ritz from £21.5m to almost £32m between 2012 and 2013.

Notable legal actions that have been taken include the case against billionaire Bharat Kalwani, who allegedly paid to play with a £5m cheque that bounced, before reaching a settlement with the Ritz last year, while the casino won the case against Nora Al-Daher, who attempted to sue after losing £2m to the casino in April 2012.

A Ritz spokesperson said: “Whilst we enjoy very good relationships with the vast majority of our customers, on some rare occasions it is unfortunately necessary to take legal action in order to recover outstanding debts.”

The casino is owned by the Barclay twins Sir David and Sir Frederick, who also own the Telegraph newspaper titles.