The family of a managing director who took her own life while battling a gambling addiction has called for urgent action against unlicensed online operators. Ellen Mulvey, 44, from Cheshire but working in London, had self-excluded through Gamstop to block access to gambling websites and apps. However, she was able to continue betting on platforms operating outside the UK.
An inquest in Warrington heard that a simple Google search would reveal betting companies not registered with Gamstop. Ms Mulvey, who worked for a financial recruitment firm in London, had a long history of gambling since 2018, hiding the problem from her partner and family. Her gambling transactions across licensed and unlicensed operators amounted to hundreds of thousands of pounds, and her bank account was effectively empty by the time of her death.
Details of the Tragedy
She died in hospital on November 7 after overdosing on medication days earlier. In a note to her partner, Deanne Tomkins, she wrote: "I have lied, I have an addiction. Thought I had sorted but recently it got worse." Expert evidence at Cheshire Coroner's Court revealed Ms Mulvey had an undiagnosed severe and longstanding gambling disorder. HM Assistant Coroner Elizabeth Wheeler recorded a conclusion of suicide, stating the disorder contributed to her death.
Family's Heartbreaking Testimony
Ms Mulvey's sister, Katie Styring, told the hearing: "Ellen had the kindest soul and a heart of gold. She inspired confidence, belief and strength in others – often before they could see it themselves. She was fun-loving, energetic and often wonderfully chaotic. The difficulties Ellen experienced do not define her; she was deeply loved and missed beyond words. She was and always will be more than the struggles she faced."
Following the inquest, Ms Tomkins said: "We are deeply concerned about the unregulated online gambling sites targeting those who have taken steps to self-exclude like Ellen did. That should not be possible, and this issue needs to be a priority for those in positions to act. How many more lives must be lost before something changes? I truly believe she would still be here if not for the harm caused by gambling. Gambling does not define who Ellen was. It took hold of her because that is what it is designed to do. It made her feel like she had failed and that we were better off without her, which could not be further from the truth. That is the devastating reality of gambling harm and the psychological damage. No one is immune to this addiction, especially with these dangerous addictive products. The individual is not to blame; it can affect anyone. We need a proper public health approach that better informs and protects everyone. We also want those experiencing harm to be better supported in a way that reduces stigma and shame and promotes access to specialist gambling support."
Calls for Action
Ms Styring added: "Ellen developed a gambling disorder not because of any flaw in her character but because gambling products are designed to be addictive and to extract as much profit as possible regardless of the harm. We hope Ellen's story will raise awareness of gambling disorder and the dangers of online gambling, and action should be taken to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak."
Dan Webster from law firm Leigh Day said: "Ellen's family, and others we represent, are highly concerned that the steps taken by the Gambling Commission are having no meaningful effect in protecting the public from these platforms. It is vital that urgent action is taken by the Government and the Gambling Commission to tackle the individuals and entities operating these platforms and to prevent the ongoing harm they cause."
