Vegas casino tycoon wins Brit libel case

20.03.2008

The British media had another libel case to digest this week following the giant award of GBP 550 000 won by the parents of missing child Madeleine McCan, and a less high profile case brought against the Daily Mail by Las Vegas casino owner and gambling tycoon Sheldon Adelson.

Las Vegas Sands owner Sheldon Adelson has been awarded "very substantial" damages by a London High Court after the Daily Mail accused the casino billionaire of "cut-throat, ruthless and despicable business practices". Adelson’s solicitors described the case as one of the "UK’s most expensive libel actions ever."

Associated Press reports that Adelson will receive damages from a British newspaper for falsely linking him to a takeover of the world famous Manchester United soccer club. Adelson, chairman of casino group Las Vegas Sands Corp., fought a three-year battle against the Daily Mail, which he claimed defamed him and his company.

The newspaper alleged that Adelson held secret talks with Malcolm Glazer, an American who purchased Manchester United in 2005. Adelson said he never met with Glazer.

Adelson's London-based law firm said in a statement that the newspaper will pay him an undisclosed amount in damages, along with his legal costs. The newspaper also will print an apology Thursday.