Australian coroner finds gambling caused 22‑year‑old's suicide
Coroner Paul Lawrie ruled online gambling was the direct cause of Kyle Hudson's death in 2021.
Key facts
- Kyle Hudson, 22, died by suicide on 6 July 2021, according to the coroner.
- He lost $895,733 through Sportsbet and other online betting platforms, according to the coroner.
- The coroner Paul Lawrie said online gambling was the direct and paramount cause of his death, according to the inquest.
- Sportsbet and other bookmakers argued Hudson did not have a gambling problem, according to their lawyers.
- The coroner called for a ban on gambling ads on mainstream and social media, according to the findings.
Kyle Hudson, a 22‑year‑old from Werribee, Victoria, died by suicide on 6 July 2021, according to the coroner. He had no history of mental illness or drug and alcohol problems, according to the coroner.
Hudson opened a Sportsbet account on his 18th birthday in 2017 and wagered $895,733 over four years, according to the coroner. His net losses totaled $47,945, according to the coroner.
Paul Lawrie said online gambling was the direct and paramount cause of his decision to take his own life, according to the inquest. He also noted that the gambling had broken his relationship with his girlfriend Ashley Baker, according to the coroner.
Sportsbet's lawyers argued Hudson did not have a gambling problem, according to their statements at the inquest. The coroner called for a ban on gambling ads on mainstream and social media, according to the findings.
Context
Australia has a large online gambling market, with companies such as Sportsbet, Bet365, and Ladbrokes operating. The coroner's findings highlight concerns about regulation and monitoring of problem gambling, according to the inquest.
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