Bulgarian Operator Faces Lawsuit for Self-Exclusion Breach
A Bulgarian gambling operator is being sued by a problem gambler for failing to adhere to the country’s self-exclusion program. The plaintiff is seeking the return of his lost funds and BGN 1,000 ($552.1) in damages, claiming the operator allowed him to gamble despite being on the National Revenue Agency’s (NRA) self-exclusion register.
A Struggling Gambler’s Story
The plaintiff, who has been battling gambling addiction for over 15 years, described in his lawsuit the severe consequences of his addiction. By 2022, he had accrued BGN 100,000 ($55,213) in debt, lost his job, and faced intense emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts.
Seeking help, the man started therapy and enrolled in the NRA’s self-exclusion program on January 6, 2023, hoping to end his gambling habit. Initially, his self-exclusion worked, preventing access to Bulgarian gambling sites. However, just weeks later, he managed to access one of the country’s largest gambling platforms.
Over a 12-day period, he lost BGN 8,500 ($4,697) and later contacted the operator to seek reimbursement. When the operator refused, the man filed a lawsuit.
The Operator’s Failure
Experts investigating the case confirmed that the man had been registered in the NRA’s self-exclusion program. However, the gambling operator in question failed to check the register, allowing the plaintiff to gamble and breach his exclusion.
Psychiatric evaluations supported the man’s claims, confirming he suffers from compulsive gambling tendencies. His recent relapse, according to his wife, has significantly derailed his therapy, leaving him with feelings of guilt and despair.
The case is ongoing, with the plaintiff seeking restitution of his losses and $552.1 in damages. The outcome could potentially impact the enforcement of gambling regulations in Bulgaria.
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Stay tuned for updates on this developing case.
