Gaming Law International

British Book-keeper Took $2 million From Employer to Gamble Online

Another case of employee theft to fuel a gambling addiction - in Britain today 23-year-old Bryan Benjafield pleaded guilty in Dorchester Crown Court to stealing more than $2 million CDN from his employer to gamble online. Benjafield's employer, Charminster Limited, was forced into administration as a result of the theft.  The court will consider sentencing in a few weeks time.

Story here. Update here.

New Zealand Banker Stole $1.5 Million to Fund Gambling Habit

It's surprising how often these stories are surfacing around the world but here is another story of an employee stealing money from their employer to fund their gambling habit. According to the New Zealand Harald, a former Bank of New Zealand manager, Rick Yong, took more than $1.5 million (NZD) from clients of the Bank and used those funds to gamble and invest in property. Yong was sentenced to three years in prison.

Principal Left Elementary School With $31,000 Gambling Debt

An elementary school in Australia has to re-pay some $31,000 in gambling debts incurred by its former principal and may have to pare down extra-curricular programs for students. Read the story here.

Another UK Online Gambling Addict Faces Jail Time

The Glasgow Daily Record is reporting that Graham Price, who ran the local Halifax Bank near Swansea in Wales, "fleeced" investors and the Bank out of more than $21.3 million (CAD) to feed his gambling habit, mostly on online horse racing. He faces over 300 charges and is expected to be sentenced today. Read the story at the Daily Record here or an upated story at the Telegraph here.

Stockbroker Took $775,000 to Fund Gambling Addiction

According to the UK press, stockbroker Graham Houghton was sentenced to serve a 2 and a half year jail term for embezzling over $775,000 (CAD) over a seven year period from his employer Brewin Dolphin Security. Houghton, who had a gambling addiction, used the funds to cover debts he incurred from gambling online and gambling at horse races and casinos. Read the story here.