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.

The coroner acknowledged the family's concerns and stated that more could be done to highlight the risks posed by illegal gambling sites, people may not be aware they were gambling on an unlicensed site. A report will be sent to government departments to address these risks, aiming to prevent future tragedies stemming from the unchecked spread of illicit online gambling operations.