A gambler in the U.S state of Illinois was forced to give away winnings of $22,800 because he had volunteered to be part of a self help programme for problem gamblers.

The man who cannot be named for legal reasons found himself on an amazing role at   the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin. From midnight until 4.51 am on a recent Friday night the insurance agent had the craps table in the palm of his hand.

When he decided that enough was enough he attempted to cash in his chips however casino security arrested him and charged him with criminal trespass.

The unlucky punter had enrolled himself in a voluntary self-exclusion program for problem gamblers only months before. By enrolling he signed a form that means he cannot play at any casino in Illinois and it states that if found at a casino he would be charged and all chips and tokens in his possession would be donated to an organisation which helps compulsive gamblers.

So it seems there is a silver lining in that the $22,800 will be donated to an organisation which helps gambling addicts. Alex Roseborough, executive director of the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling welcomed the donation and said it will help greatly with tackling the issues surrounding compulsive gambling.

For the unlucky player though it was a case of what might have been.