Grandparents’ €21,000 Gambling Loss: A Local Family’s Struggle

Imagine waking up to a €21,000 debt, not incurred by you, but by your beloved grandson. This was the harsh reality faced by a Maltese couple from Birkirkara, as revealed in a heart-wrenching court case this week. The grandparents, in their late sixties, had been unwittingly funding their grandson’s gambling addiction, leaving them financially devastated.

From Love to Loan: The Grandparents’ Story

The couple, who have asked to remain anonymous, told the court they had been lending money to their grandson, believing it was for his studies and living expenses. The young man, a university student, had spun a web of deceit, convincing his grandparents that he needed financial help. Little did they know, the money was feeding his gambling addiction.

“We thought we were helping him build a future,” the grandmother tearfully testified. “We never imagined he was throwing it all away, one bet at a time.”

Gambling Addiction: A Growing Concern in Malta

This case sheds light on a growing concern in Malta – gambling addiction among the youth. According to the Responsible Gaming Foundation, one in five Maltese adults gamble regularly, with a significant portion being young adults and students. The ease of access to online gambling platforms, coupled with the glamorization of gambling in popular culture, is fueling this alarming trend.

Dr. Marc Pace, a local psychologist specializing in addiction, commented, “Gambling addiction is a silent epidemic. It’s often hidden, and those affected are often in denial. We need more awareness and support services to tackle this issue head-on.”

The Road to Recovery

The court, moved by the grandparents’ plight, ordered the grandson to pay back the €21,000 at a rate of €500 per month, starting next year when he expects to secure a job. The young man, who has since sought help for his addiction, expressed remorse for his actions.

“I let my grandparents down,” he said, choking back tears. “I’m determined to make this right and ensure they never have to suffer because of me again.”

The grandparents, while relieved by the court’s decision, are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered finances. They plan to sell their late son’s car, parked in their garage on Triq il-Kbira, to help repay the debt.

As for their grandson, they remain hopeful. “We love him, and we’re here for him,” the grandfather said. “We just want him to get better and learn from this.”