A coroner has ruled that gambling addiction played “a major part” in a man’s death in Croydon.
Gareth Evans, 40, took his own life in 2021 after withdrawing tens of thousands of pounds for in store betting.
His family say his death “was directly caused by the gambling industry”.
The parent company of William Hill, where Gareth gambled, insists “it is fully committed to providing a safe and sustainable environment for all customers”.
Gareth was described by his family as a happy, popular person who loved football, pub quizzes and travel.
But for 10 years he struggled with gambling and, in a note to his family, he said it had caused him to suffer “every day”.
Gareth began online gambling on sports but had to seek help to clear debt from his parents.
He eventually barred himself from online gambling after the issue re-surfaced during lockdown.
However, in the six months before his death he withdrew £35,000 to bet in store.
Gareth Evans left a note to his family indicating that he had taken his own life due to gambling. Credit: Family Handout
In a note for his family, he wrote:
“I suffer every day. I started gambling and lost everything and more.
“I can’t help but return to this disgusting habit. I’m ashamed and I’m embarrassed.
“I’ve done nothing but gamble for six months. I lie to you daily and hate myself for it.”
On Thursday, the coroner at Croydon Coroners Court listed ‘gambling disorder’ and ‘depression’ as underlying causes for Gareth’s death.
The coroner also criticised William Hill, where Gareth gambled, and the wider industry.
She said: “The controls and support are in my view inadequate and measures need to be improved…measures are fragmented and not standardised.”
Gareth’s mother, father and sister all attended the inquest. Credit: Family handout
Outside court Tony Evans, Gareth’s dad, spoke about their loss.
Tony said:
“Four and a half years since Gareth took his own life the coroner’s investigation has confirmed what we as a family always knew.
“Namely that his death was directly caused by the gambling industry and their dangerously addictive products.
“And William Hill failed in their duties to protect him. We are also pleased to see that the coroner intends to issue a prevention of future deaths report.
“Gambling had a catastrophic effect on Gareth’s mental health.
“He was a normal, happy and healthy person. He had a good job and lots of friends. He loved football, pub quizzes and travel.
“Although nothing can change what happened to our wonderful Gaz we hope this inquest can help us understand that gambling kills.”
William Hill gave evidence at the inquest about how they had made sweeping changes to improve safety features and spot high-risk gamblers.
In a statement William Hill’s parent company said:
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr Evans’ family in this tragic case.
Safer gambling is at the core of Evoke’s business, and we are fully committed to providing a safe and sustainable environment for all customers.
Since taking ownership of William Hill in July 2022, we have continuously evolved and improved our safer gambling processes and systems to ensure we adhere to changing industry-wide regulations.”
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