We guess this is the inverse of life insurance: A terminally ill British man reportedly stands to rake in over $50,000 in winnings if he stays alive for another year. Jon Mathews placed a $150 bet on his own mortality at 50-1 odds two years ago, after doctors told him he had only months to live.He has already pocketed $7,500 and will collect another $15,000 from bookmakers if he makes it past June 1 and the remaining 12 months after that.
Mathews suffers from mesothelioma, an asbestos-related form of cancer, and credits his continuing survival to herbal remedies, as well as a determination to increase his winnings.
And if you think there's something morally dubious about gambling, let alone with one's own life, you probably don't want to know what Mr. Mathews is spending his takings on. As well as a donation to a cancer charity, the plucky gambler plans to use his haul to fuel his love of beer and theme park rides, and his 30-a-day cigarette habit.
