Gambling addict sues government

Man says Interior Ministry failed to protect him, after he volunteered to join list of banned poker and casino players

Published Wednesday 30 November 2016 - 16:18 Modified Wednesday 30 November 2016 - 16:18

A GAMBLING addict is suing the French government for failing to stop him accessing online poker and casino websites.

According to RTL, the 37-year-old man, who is not named in reports, is seeking €100,000 in damages.

His lawyer claims he volunteered to join the Interior Ministry's list of banned users last year, but that a technical error meant his request was registered to the wrong address.

This allowed him to continue gambling online - losing up to half of his monthly income on poker and other online games. Site owners are required to check the ban list before approving a new sign-up.

The case is due to be heard in a court in Châlons-en-Champagne this Thursday.

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