The family of a man who died by suicide after a battle with gambling addiction is demanding urgent regulatory action, claiming he was deliberately targeted by illicit overseas betting operators despite trying to block himself from UK sites.
A System Designed to Exploit the Vulnerable
Oliver Long, 36, was found dead in East Sussex on 23 February 2025. An inquest into his death this week heard how he had struggled with a severe gambling disorder. His sister, Chloe Long, told the hearing that Oliver had attempted to use the UK's self-exclusion scheme, GamStop, to bar himself from licensed gambling websites in 2022.
However, he was later "actively targeted" by unlicensed gambling sites based outside the UK, which are not bound by British regulations. Chloe stated these black market operators deliberately sought out vulnerable individuals like her brother, who had shown a clear desire to stop.
"They were highly addictive, predatory systems designed to exploit. And they did," Chloe said. "They stole from Ollie - not only his money, but his peace, his future, and ultimately, his life."
Financial Ruin and a Family's Loss
The court heard the devastating financial impact of Oliver's addiction. His bank statements revealed savings were depleted by £20,000 in April 2023 alone. At the height of his addiction, he lost his house, his job, and separated from his long-term partner.
Tim Miller, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission, provided evidence to the coroner, confirming that such illegal sites "deliberately seek to target people who are already experiencing harm" and market themselves specifically to circumvent UK protections like GamStop. He added that some are run by criminal networks linked to serious organised crime.
Despite Oliver's diagnosed gambling disorder, Senior Coroner for East Sussex Laura Bradford recorded a conclusion of suicide. The family expressed disappointment that gambling disorder was not listed as a medical cause of death but vowed to campaign for reform in his memory.
Calls for Outdated Laws to Be Overhauled
Chloe Long has directly criticised the Gambling Commission, arguing it is "not doing enough" to prevent harm from online gambling. She called for a review of "outdated" legislation that predates the widespread use of smartphones.
"I think it's important they acknowledge the scale of the issue and the fact there is so much being done by these illegal operators to actively target the most vulnerable groups," she said. This includes those who have self-excluded and underage individuals.
In a statement, the Gambling Commission said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Oliver Long and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. The targeting of vulnerable people by illegal gambling operators is a criminal act."
Describing her brother as a kind, generous, and fun-loving man who adored his five nephews, Chloe said his death has left a "hole" in their close-knit family. Oliver had spent a weekend with his family the week before he died and wrote them farewell notes in his final days.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
