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UK Asylum Seekers Misuse Taxpayer Funds for Gambling

7/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Asylum seekers in the UK have sparked controversy by using taxpayer-funded ASPEN cards for gambling, with over 6,500 incidents reported in just one year. Originally designed to cover essential needs, these cards offer between £9.95 and £49.18 weekly. Officials are alarmed by this misuse and the Home Office is contemplating stricter measures.

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Story summary

Asylum seekers in the UK have sparked controversy by using taxpayer-funded ASPEN cards for gambling, with over 6,500 incidents reported in just one year. Originally designed to cover essential needs, these cards offer between £9.95 and £49.18 weekly. Officials are alarmed by this misuse and the Home Office is contemplating stricter measures.