Woman with gambling addiction used unlicensed sites before her death

Self-exclusion tools like GAMSTOP have gaps, allowing those struggling to still access unregulated gambling platforms

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:34am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a shattered piggy bank, conceptually representing the hidden impacts of gambling addiction.An X-ray view of a broken piggy bank symbolizes the hidden personal and financial toll of unregulated gambling addiction.Cheshire Village Today

The case of Ellen Mulvey, a 44-year-old managing director from Cheshire who died by suicide, highlights the systemic failure in gambling addiction treatment. Despite using self-exclusion tools like GAMSTOP to ban herself from licensed online gambling operators, Mulvey continued to access unregulated and illegal gambling websites, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

Why it matters

This story exposes a critical gap in the regulatory framework around gambling addiction treatment. While self-exclusion tools like GAMSTOP are seen as a vital lifeline for those struggling, they only apply to licensed online gambling operators. Unregulated and unlicensed platforms exist outside of these rules, allowing individuals who are determined to stop gambling to still access these harmful services.

The details

Despite her attempts to control her addiction by using GAMSTOP, Mulvey continued to access unregulated gambling websites. This demonstrates a growing trend where individuals who are determined to stop—and take the formal steps to do so—are still targeted by operators who exist outside the law. GAMSTOP only applies to licensed online gambling operators, meaning a person can be self-excluded from legal sites but still be accessible to illegal ones.

  • Ellen Mulvey, a 44-year-old managing director from Cheshire, died by suicide in April 2026.

The players

Ellen Mulvey

A 44-year-old managing director from Cheshire who died by suicide after struggling with a gambling addiction and accessing unregulated gambling websites.

Baroness Clare Gerada

The founder of the NHS Primary Care Gambling Service, who underscores the need to treat gambling as a clinical disorder rather than just a behavioral choice.

Meraki Talent

The London-based recruitment firm where Mulvey served as a Managing Director.

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What they’re saying

“There is a common misconception that gambling addiction only affects those in financial distress. In reality, 'high-functioning' addiction is a significant concern in professional environments.”

— Baroness Clare Gerada, Founder, NHS Primary Care Gambling Service

What’s next

Experts and advocates are calling for stronger regulations and oversight of unlicensed gambling platforms to close the gap in addiction treatment and prevent similar tragedies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need to address the systemic failures in gambling addiction treatment, particularly the lack of regulation around unlicensed and unregulated gambling platforms that continue to exploit vulnerable individuals despite their efforts to seek help.