Sydney, Australia – A significant case involving a 23-year-old Australian, Gordon Burns, has brought to light serious questions regarding the responsibilities of online gambling operators and their intervention protocols for individuals exhibiting signs of problem gambling. Burns reportedly incurred substantial losses totaling $190,000 within a single day of betting in 2022, when he was 21 years old.
According to reports from The Guardian, Burns claims he made a series of rapid, large deposits: an initial $10,000, $25,000, and $35,000 within an eight-minute window, followed by three additional deposits summing to $120,000 over a 17-minute period later that day. Burns asserts that these actions should have triggered interventions from the gambling platforms, BetNation and BetDeluxe, due to clear indications of a gambling problem.
Following his significant losses and the alleged lack of intervention, Burns filed a formal complaint against BetNation and BetDeluxe with the regulatory body, the Northern Territory Racing and Betting Commission (NTRWC).
Shortly after submitting his complaint, Burns received a direct communication via WhatsApp from a representative of Amused Group, the parent company of the two bookmakers. He was presented with a “peace agreement,” offering $25,000 in exchange for withdrawing his complaint and maintaining public silence regarding the situation. Burns was given a tight deadline to consider the offer, with an implied threat of being held accountable for “negativity” if he refused. When questioned about the source of his contact details, the company representative allegedly claimed the information was provided by someone from the regulator.
Burns ultimately declined the offer, emphasizing his pursuit of justice beyond personal financial gain. “Yes, this money would help me. But not the next person, who will also be ignored by the system,” Burns stated, underscoring his motivation for broader systemic change.
Burns’s complaint is currently under active review by the NTRWC. The commission has indicated that even withdrawn complaints can be subject to investigation if serious violations are suspected, highlighting their commitment to regulatory oversight.
Amused Group has refrained from commenting on the specific details of the case, citing confidentiality. However, the company affirmed its commitment to taking customer complaints seriously and adhering to all legal requirements.
This case draws parallels with international precedents, such as a recent ruling in Lithuania where a gambler successfully sued an online casino, recovering over 43,000 euros in losses, interest, and legal costs. In that instance, the court determined that the gambling operator had violated legal protocols in accepting bets. Such cases globally underscore the increasing scrutiny on gambling operators’ adherence to responsible gambling practices and regulatory compliance.
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