Gambler loses #25,000 at Aspers Casino; takes life short time later

Around the world, casinos offer gambling options for players, taking great care to provide a safe and responsible environment. Rules and regulations are in place to assist these venues in provide elements of support for players who are struggling with a gambling addiction. Unfortunately, not everyone can be helped and the unthinkable happens. In London, a gambler recently took his own life just an hour after losing £25,000 while playing roulette and fixed odds slot machines.

Events of the Weekend:

On Sunday night, Huseyin Yaman, a 37 year old businessman was visiting the Aspers Casino in the Westfield Shopping Center in Stratford when he decided to spend a few hours playing roulette and the fixed odds slot machines. The slot machines are controversial at the moment, as they are considered highly addicting, with the government considering changes to ensure player safety.

According to the Daily Mail…

Mr. Yaman lost £25,000 while playing at the casino and was escorted out of the casino, visibly upset about his visit. Just a short time later, he apparently hanged himself in his home and was found on Monday morning.

Sources have reported that Mr. Yaman had visited the Aspers Casino for close to two years and had lost around £100,000. Reportedly, he was asked twice during his visits within that time frame if he had a gambling problem but was not asked to leave the casino. According to Mr. Yaman’s family, he played the fixed odds betting machines on a regular basis and was not provided help by the casino.

Family Response:

Relatives of Mr. Yaman have said they had no idea he had a gambling problem and would have stepped in to help if they had. Relatives also wondered by police officers who took him from the casino let him go when they could see he was in distress. The family felt that the police should have looked after him since Mr. Yaman was in distress when leaving the casino.

The death of the gambler is the latest connected to the addictive gambling machines the government is trying to change. Reportedly, two people a day are taking their own lives due to being in debt from playing the fixed odds gambling machines. A wagering change per spin is supposed to be set at £2 from the current £100, but that change has yet to be enforced.

With the pressure mounting, the government announced this week that they will stop the delay and implement the wagering change by April 2019.