Feb 22 • 08:57 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Estonian who won 11 million threatens hunger strike: hasn't received almost half of the winnings

An Estonian man who won 11 million euros is threatening a hunger strike due to delays in receiving almost half of his winnings, which are frozen due to an ongoing investigation.

A 49-year-old man from Tallinn recently won a staggering 11 million euros, the largest online casino jackpot ever for Estonia, with a mere four-euro bet. His story captured national attention following its broadcast on a local television show, highlighting the transformational narrative of becoming a millionaire overnight. However, the excitement of his win has been overshadowed by the reality that nearly half of his winnings remain inaccessible due to legal complications.

Approximately 5 million euros of the man's jackpot are currently frozen in his bank account as a precautionary measure while authorities conduct an investigation into potential money laundering and terrorism financing. These legal issues have left the winner in a precarious situation, prompting him to take drastic measures in order to expedite the release of his funds. He has publicly expressed frustration and announced plans to initiate a hunger strike if the issues are not resolved soon.

This situation reflects larger concerns surrounding the regulation of online gambling and the financial systems in Canada, particularly regarding how authorities manage large winnings amidst investigations. The case has sparked discussions in the media about the potential consequences for players and the implications of stringent oversight in the gambling sector, signaling a push for more clarity in terms of what winners can expect upon a significant win.

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