Can You Get Your Money Back If You Have a Gambling Addiction?
According to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, more than eight million Americans have a mild to severe gambling problem. Even if you do not wager every day, you may be suffering from a mental health condition.
If you believe the gambling company acted irresponsibly by allowing you to bet when it should not have, you may be entitled to a refund. Keep reading to learn if you can get your money back when you have a gambling addiction.
Can You Recover Your Gambling Losses?
If you are like most of us, you probably thought that once you lost a bet, the money was gone forever. The truth is, you may have recourse, but only if you are able to prove that you have a gambling addiction (or other mental illness). You and your attorney must also show that the wagering organization should have prevented you from placing a bet but failed to do so.
Platform operators are trained to identify instances of problem gambling and put a stop to it. If they do not exercise due diligence, you may be entitled to a refund. They are also obligated to verify the source of funds used in high-stakes gambling, and failing to do so can constitute a violation of anti-money laundering laws under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Does the Consumer Fraud Act Come into Play?
Yes, the Consumer Fraud Act may help you get your money back if you and your attorney are able to prove that the gambling organization engaged in deceptive practices, violated state laws, or acted negligently by ignoring your documented gambling addiction. These situations often involve misleading promotions or allowing play by a self-excluded individual.
How to Tell if You Have a Gambling Addiction
There are several key factors you can use to help determine if you suffer from gambling addiction. If you routinely bet more than you can comfortably lose financially, you may need to risk larger amounts to get the same feeling, or you may find yourself chasing losses; you may need professional help from a behavioral specialist. Other signs of a gambling addiction include selling property for money to bet, feeling stressed or anxious about your losses, or feeling guilty about gambling in general.
Improve the Odds of Getting a Refund by Contacting Our Attorneys
While yes, it is possible for you to get your money back, it is not as easy as requesting a refund. So, if you have a gambling addiction and believe you may be entitled to recover your losses, reach out to our attorneys at Price Benowitz for a free case evaluation. Our firm serves clients across Washington, D.C., and we have a track record of holding organizations liable for negligence.
