Serial Fraudster Banned From Casinos

A Court order has banned a serial swindler from gambling, not just at UK land-based casinos, but also online.

The Teasside Crown Court handed down a five-year “serious crime and prevention order” to Michael Smallman - previously jailed for a £16m education scam based in Middlesbrough.  He also once served a seven-year jail term, imposed in 2008, for fraudulent trading and money laundering.

Smallman is accused of running fraud businesses funded by his gambling addiction.  He still owes at least one UK bookmaker, Ladbrokes, between £65,000 and £70,000.

Smallman said at his sentencing that he was determined to change  and simply “lost focus of reality”.

He said: “I think there comes a time in business where you have to draw the line and I missed it.

“I wish I could turn back the clock. I’m never going to put myself in a position like that again.”

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com