Targeted promotions ‘influential’ in luring Melbourne man who gambled $895,000 back to betting apps, inquest hears

Kyle Hudson received more than 300 inducements from Sportsbet and 72 from Bet365 before he died, the inquest heard, including via email and SMS, averaging more than one a week. Photograph: The Guardian

A young Melbourne man who took his own life after gambling more than $895,000 over four years was repeatedly drawn back to online betting platforms by targeted inducements, an inquest has heard.

Coroner Paul Lawrie is investigating the circumstances and likely contributing factors to the death of Kyle Hudson, 22, including whether betting companies like Sportsbet, Entain and bet365 accurately assessed his risk of gambling-related harm.