Calls for reforms after Aussie who opened his first gambling account at 18 took his own life after losing $50,000

Kyle Hudson began betting online on his 18th birthday and died by suicide four years later after losing nearly $50,000. A Victorian coroner said gambling harm was the direct and paramount cause of his decision, and called his case a clear signal that Australia needs national gambling reforms.

Hudson placed 8,585 bets across five betting accounts and lost $47,945. In the 12 hours before his death on 6 July 2021, he lost two bets totalling $6,300; Sportsbet had suspended his account eight times, but reactivated it after speaking with him. The coroner made nine recommendations, including a national regulator, while Senator David Pocock called for an advertising ban and stronger oversight; the betting firms said they would consider or continue improving their protections.