The alarming story of a British problem gambler is causing a new wave of negative media attention for two online operators. Casumo and LeoVegas are coming under fire once again for allegedly ignoring red flags of a 42-year-old woman who lost hundreds of thousands on their sites.
The Guardian reports the anonymous woman, formerly a successful accountant, started playing on Casumo, and evidence seen by the outlet clearly shows she had symptoms of problem gambling. She would have transactions blocked by her bank, cancel withdrawals so she could continue playing, and at one point told a representative at the site that she had suicidal feelings.
Apparently ignoring that behavior, Casumo gave her VIP status, offered her tickets to events, and allowed her to lose thousands. Her account was finally closed hours after she revealed her suicidal thoughts.
Later in the year, she opened an account with LeoVegas. Despite nearly the same behavior, she quickly gained VIP status there as well, and lost over £100,000 ($130,000) in less than a month. Once they discovered she had a problem, the operator offered to pay some of her rehabilitation costs.