Crash victim failed by betting industry
THE torment suffered by a mentally ill young man, who gambled away £120,000 after a severe brain injury, became intolerable when his attempts to recoup the funds from some gaming companies were met with hostility and stalling.
A car accident last year left Stuart with delusions and mania, disorders distorting his notion of money’s value.
During recovery he descended into a hellish spiral, opening numerous betting accounts. All are regulated by the UK’s Gambling Commission. In one frenzy he spent £12,000 in five weeks.
Much of the money came from his accident claim payout that was meant to support him and his potentially lifelong disabilities. But he also took out bank and high cost credit loans.
In January Stuart, 28, tried to kill himself, and his dad Jeff gained power of attorney over his affairs.
When Stuart and Jeff asked Crusader for support, Jeff told us: “My efforts at first were focussed only on him getting better. I didn’t realise what was going on.”
As the losses mounted, Stuart asked the companies for compassion. He provided medical proof and Jeff sent his power of attorney.
Some have acted responsibly, settling in full. One inexplicably deducted 30 per cent (£1,000) and imposed a gagging order. Threats of legal action were commonplace when the pair pleaded for refunds.
Stuart’s £5,000 loan has run up £2,000 in interest so far.
One company, Novibet, returned his £2,000. But another has refused to return the £20,000 Stuart claims he lost. “They won’t accept my power of attorney and they say their decision seven months ago was final,” claims Jeff.
Crusader has contacted the company, but so far without success.
From the evidence we’ve seen there appears a striking contradiction between the brutal individual brush-offs issued and companies’ public declarations promising support for anyone who is vulnerable.
Stuart’s experience also encompasses wider concerns about the gambling industry, its attitude to social responsibilities and the narrow scope of consumer redress.
The Government is reviewing gambling rules. The industry’s dispute resolution service IBAS says it can’t consider a complaint concerning an alleged breach of licence conditions. The Gambling Commission told Stuart and Jeff it couldn’t help as it was not an ombudsman.
“The time has come for the Government to introduce a regime to tackle the [industry’s] methods,” says MP Carolyn Harris, chair of the Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group.
Will Prochaska, chief executive of charity Gambling With Lives, is urging the Government to create a gambling ombudsman.
Nichola Marshall, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, is representing the family to obtain redress from the firm. They will be challenging the validity of the contract, given Stuart’s capacity and vulnerability.
Following another breakdown, Stuart is back in hospital.
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