Saudi Sheikh's £4M Casino Debt Battle Exposes London's Legal Limits
A legal battle has unfolded between London’s elite casino, Les Ambassadeurs, and an 82-year-old Saudi businessman. Hassan Enani, a long-standing member of the high-stakes club, now faces a £4 million debt dispute that has dragged through the courts since 2020. The case has drawn attention due to its unusual scale and the sheikh’s refusal to pay despite a court ruling in the casino’s favour. Enani joined Les Ambassadeurs in 1994, maintaining a membership with annual fees exceeding $30,000. Over the years, he became a familiar figure in London’s gambling scene, known for his high-stakes play. But in 2019, the casino demanded repayment of his mounting debts, totalling £4 million.
He initially responded with a cheque for the full amount—only for it to bounce. Later, he transferred £200,000 as a 'goodwill' gesture before abruptly cutting off all contact. Les Ambassadeurs took legal action in 2020, and the court ruled in its favour the following year.
Despite the judgment, Enani has refused to settle the debt. His whereabouts remain unknown, leaving the casino unable to enforce the ruling. The case stands out among similar disputes, where wealthy clients have occasionally contested losses, but few have done so with such persistence.
Outside the gambling world, Enani is a well-known philanthropist and businessman in Saudi Arabia. He funded the construction of the Hassan Enani Mosque in Jeddah, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure. Yet his lavish lifestyle—including a £15 million yacht, a palace in Saudi Arabia, and a six-pool villa in Marbella—contrasts sharply with his unpaid debts. The lawsuit remains unresolved, with Enani’s assets untouched and his location undisclosed. Les Ambassadeurs has yet to recover the £4 million, despite the court’s decision. The case highlights the challenges of enforcing financial judgments against high-profile individuals with international holdings.
