Gambling crackdown call after woman's death

The family of a woman who took her own life while suffering from a gambling addiction has called for action to be taken against unlicensed online operators.

Ellen Mulvey, 44, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, who died in November, had self-excluded through Gamstop to block access to accounts on gambling websites and apps but was able to continue betting through platforms operating outside of the UK.

An inquest in Warrington heard that a "very simple" Google search would flag up betting companies not registered with Gamstop.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, HM assistant coroner Elizabeth Wheeler said an undiagnosed severe gambling disorder had contributed to Ms Mulvey's death.

The Gambling Commission said it had "robust regulatory framework" in place requiring licensed operators to identify signs of gambling-related harm and to take appropriate action to protect consumers.

It said it was working to strengthen protection for consumers from unlicensed gambling platforms.

Ms Mulvey, who worked in London for a financial recruitment firm, had a "long history" of gambling, going back to 2018.

But she hid the problem from her partner and family.

Her gambling-related transactions across licensed and unlicensed operators ran into the hundreds of thousands of pounds and her bank account had been effectively emptied by the time of her death.

She died in hospital on 7 November after she took an overdose of medication days earlier.

In a note left to her partner, Deanne Tomkins, she said: "I have lied, I have an addiction. Thought I had sorted but recently it got worse."

Expert evidence heard at Cheshire Coroner's Court found that Ms Mulvey had an undiagnosed severe and longstanding gambling disorder.

Ms Mulvey's sister Katie Styring told the hearing: "Ellen had the kindest soul and a heart of gold.

"She inspired confidence, belief and strength in others – often before they could see it themselves.

"She was fun-loving, energetic and often wonderfully chaotic.

"The difficulties Ellen experienced do not define her. Ellen was deeply loved and missed beyond words.

"She was and always will be more than the struggles she faced."

Following the inquest, Tomkins said: "We are deeply concerned about the unregulated online gambling sites targeting those who have taken the steps to self-exclude like Ellen did.

"That should not be possible and this is an issue which needs to be a priority for those in positions to act.

"How many more lives need to be lost before something changes?

"I truly believe she would still be here if it was not for the harm caused by gambling.

"Gambling does not define who Ellen was.

"It was something that took hold of her because that is what it is designed do.

"It made her feel like she had failed.

"It made her believe we were better off without her which could not be further from the truth.

"That is the devastating reality of the harm caused by gambling and the psychological harm.

"No-one is immune to this addiction especially to these dangerous addictive products.

"The individual is not to blame, it can affect anyone.

"We feel there needs to be a proper public health approach that better informs and protects everyone.

"We also want to see those experiencing harm to be better supported in a way which reduces stigma and shame, and promotes access to specialist gambling support."

Ms Styring said: "We hope Ellen's story will raise awareness of gambling disorder and the dangers of online gambling, and action should be taken to prevent other families going through the same heartbreak that we are."

Dan Webster, from law firm Leigh Day, said: "Ellen's family, and others who we represent, are highly concerned that the steps being taken by the Gambling Commission are having no meaningful effect in protecting the public from these platforms.

"It is vital that urgent action is taken by the government and the Gambling Commission to tackle the individuals and entities which operate these platforms and to prevent the ongoing harm which they cause."

A Gambling Commission spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ellen Mulvey, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."

They added: "Addressing criminal activity and unlicensed gambling requires a coordinated approach between the Commission, domestic and international regulators, GamStop, licensed operators, technology platforms, the financial sector, and law enforcement bodies.

"We continue to strengthen this collaboration to better protect consumers."

The spokesperson added the commission welcomed the government's recent investment of £26m over the next three years will enable the commission to build on and enhance its work to disrupt illegal operators and protect consumers.

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