What happened to Ollie Long?

Ollie Long died by suicide at age 36 due to a severe gambling addiction. The coroner's court investigated the circumstances leading to his death.

What are "Not on GamStop" websites?

These are illegal offshore gambling sites that specifically target UK consumers who have signed up with GamStop, the UK's self-exclusion scheme.

What action is being taken regarding illegal gambling sites?

The coroner will send a report to government departments, and the Gambling Commission is expected to receive new powers to tackle illegal gambling markets.

Home / Health / Gamble With Criminals: Fan's Tragic Suicide

Gamble With Criminals: Fan's Tragic Suicide

13 Jan

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Summary

A Liverpool FC fan died by suicide due to gambling addiction.
Illegal offshore operators preyed on vulnerable individuals.
The coroner urged government action on unlicensed sites.

Gamble With Criminals: Fan's Tragic Suicide

A 36-year-old Liverpool FC supporter tragically took his own life in February 2026, following an eight-year battle with a severe gambling addiction. His passion for football led him to online betting, where he became ensnared by illegal offshore operators. These unregulated sites, which market themselves as "Not on GamStop," actively target individuals attempting to self-exclude from gambling through legitimate schemes.

Coroner's court heard that the gambling websites were highly addictive, predatory systems designed to exploit vulnerable people. Some of these offshore operators are reportedly run by sophisticated international criminal networks. Despite the devastating impact of his addiction, including a diagnosis of severe gambling disorder, anxiety, and depression, the senior coroner concluded that Ollie Long died by suicide due to multiple injuries, declining the family's request to list gambling as a cause of death.