Do we have any case? gambled a lot of money away

[natty147]

Hi I'm posting on behalf of my boyfriend who is extremely mentally unwell at the minute and has been for some time now. Basically what has happened is for the past few weeks he has steadily been slipping into a state of severe depression with extreme OCD and paranoid/visual thoughts that have cumulated into him gambling huge amounts online.

 

The other day he managed to go through his life savings in little under an hour to 2 hours. A total of nearly 20k. He had a breakdown and didn't know what he was doing, saying hours before it happened that he didn't want to live anymore and that everything means nothing etc. In the little time that I was unable to provide support when he was feeling this low, he went online and bet the money away in the casino.

 

Now ordanarily I'd put this down to a huge mistake and a big lesson in life, but the fact that he's got a lifelong problem with severe mental illness, and was also not a huge betting person until he had this breakdown (been a member on the site for many years) I think that there should have been better controls in place to flag up something wasn't right with the betting pattern. Either with the bank or from the site.

 

He has been on medication for quite a few years for his depression, and I think that it's sad that one breakdown and extremely bad episode has lead to him losing everything without warnings. I had to stop him from taking his own life the day before this happened and he was gambling then as well, then I had to stop him again after he lost everything as he said that he didn't want to feel like this anymore and be here.

 

The amount of withdrawals and deposits in the period that he lost the amount are substantial. Depositing thousands at a time, withdrawing, redepositing, reversing etc etc. The bank didn't warn him or block the transactions in that period even though they were very put of character and also the site didn't attempt any contact or provide any warnings.

 

Its a last ditch attempt as I know how ruthless the gambling industry is, and I for one am the first person to say that a 'a fool and his money are soon parted' but this is completley different. He wasn't in a fit state of mind and was wreckless and self destructive, essentially rock bottom. I am trying to find out if there is anyway whatsoever of obtaining SOME of the money back? He wasn't a responsible adult and didn't care what happened, I feel as though the transactions should have been stopped by the bank or even by the website as it was out of character.

 

If there is anything that anyone could advise me to do to try and recoup some of the money lost then I'd be greatful. This is a genuine circumstance and he has a LONG history of problems dating back to when he was a child. An episode like this should not be allowed to ruin him financially under the circumstances, especially since there was no contact from the bank or betting site regarding very out of character betting patterns, withdrawals, deposits etc etc. Can someone please help as I'm trying my best to look after him at the moment and also sort this out to some extent. Thanks

[fkofilee]

This is a toughie and sorry its gone unnnoticed.

 

I would personally say no, however on a side note, Ive never really seen this.

I think the site team should answer they will be along shortly.

[unclebulgaria67]

Best advice is to contact charities that deal with gambling issues, as they will know the legal situation about the controls that should be in place.

 

http://www.responsiblegamblingtrust.org.uk/

 

The problem is that many online casinos are not based in the UK and therefore UK rules/law does not apply to them. If they are based outside of the EU, then there will not be EU protections.

 

With mental health unless the casino was aware in advance there is no come back in that regard.

 

In regard to the Bank, while they may have systems that detect unusual spending, there is no legal basis for getting the Bank to assist with this, unless you can point to fraud. If there has been online fraud, this should be reported to the Bank for investigation.

[Bazooka Boo]

Have a look at the MALG site, you may find some answers, or at the very least some help on there.

http://www.malg.org.uk/

 

It would also certainly be a good idea to write to the bank in question and raise the issue with them.

20 grand in a couple of hours is certainly cause for concern, especially as it wasn't all taken out in one lump sum!

[ericsbrother]

there have been court claims for recovery of monies when the person claimed to be mentally ill when placing the bets and these have all failed,

probably because the illness was not known to the casino and the condition was not permanent.

 

 

Your problem is going to be proving that the events were forseeable to the gambling co and that the condition is permanent and manifested itself prior to this spree.

 

I do sympathise,

 

 

could you tell us if he was taking any medication before this episode that may have given rise to concerns?

 

 

Cabergoline (used for treating parkinsons amongst others things) is one drug that makes people compulsive in this manner.

[dx100uk]

sorry I think his bank has a responsibility here

and should not have let it happen.

 

are they aware of his condition? that would help.

 

but even if they are not

they should have blocked it.

no-one in their right mind [pun intended] would gamble away £20k

and the bank should not have allowed it if there is no history of use of gambling sites.

in relation to the account

 

dx

[Old Cogger]

went to buy a £1,250 Smart TV & Bank - refused to authorise until they had spoke to me

[Bazooka Boo]

went to but a £1,250 Smart TV & Bank - refused to authorise until they had spoke to me

 

Exactly!

[GrumpyToSayTheLeast]

If its a rare transaction, then the bank will be quick to step in and question it.

It imagine for the bank not to step in, this individual may be prolific even if its in smaller amounts. It wouldn't set alarm bells off if it common place to transfer money.

 

Definitely worth speaking to the bank and seeing what they say. I would have hoped they would have been more vigilant, but its his account and his money at the end of the day.