Football fan took his own life after using illegal ‘predatory’ betting sites, inquest told

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Rob DaviesJanuary 13, 2026 at 08:12 PM

AI Summary

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Ollie Long, a 36-year-old Liverpool FC fan from Wendover, Buckinghamshire, died by suicide in February 2024 after struggling with a gambling addiction for eight years. An inquest heard that Long's addiction led him to use illegal offshore betting sites that target vulnerable individuals, including those on the UK's self-exclusion scheme, GamStop. These sites, some linked to international criminal networks, were criticized by the Gambling Commission, which also faulted Meta for not removing related advertisements. Long's family believes his death was caused by his gambling addiction, though he also had a history of anxiety, depression, and cannabis use. While the coroner recorded the cause of death as suicide due to multiple injuries, she acknowledged gambling's role and will report to government departments regarding the risks of illegal gambling sites to prevent future deaths.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Buckinghamshire 40% Lewes 40% Wendover 40% Meta 50% East Sussex ×250% Liverpool FC 50% Not on GamStop ×360% Tim Miller 60% Gambling Commission 60% GamStop ×270% Chloe Long ×270% Ollie Long ×590%

Keywords

gambling addiction 100% illegal gambling sites 90% suicide 90% predatory betting 80% gamstop 70% online gambling 60% self-exclusion scheme 60% mental health 50% football 40%