Addicted gambler files $20 million casino suit

Casinos: Player's loss of law practice, houses is her problem, not theirs

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - She was an ambitious lawyer and TV commentator who starting going to Atlantic City casinos to relax and soon was getting high-roller treatment that included limousines whisking her to the resort.

But her gambling spun out of control: She said she would go days at a time at the tables, not eating or sleeping, brushing her teeth with disposable wipes so she didn't have to leave.

Now she's chasing the longest of long shots: a $20 million racketeering lawsuit in federal court against six Atlantic City casinos and one in Las Vegas, claiming they had a duty to notice her compulsive gambling problem and cut her off.

"They knew I was going for days without eating or sleeping," Taveras said. "I would pass out at the tables. They had a duty of care to me. Nobody in their right mind would gamble for four or five straight days without sleeping."

The casinos denied any wrongdoing, maintaining in court papers that Taveras brought her problems on herself.

It's her own fault, but the casino could have stopped her a bit, I think. If she was passing out at the tables I don't see how the casino's wouldn't do anything. But even if one casino told her to leave, she would most likely just go to another one, right? I would think. And there was another quote which said the casinos don't know if a person has a problem, or just is having a good time. I think they could realize if a person is having a problem. Staying at a table for days, not eating or sleeping, is not something people do unless they have a gambling problem.

Will McDonald's start refusing to serve customers who appear to be over weight?

To each their own, but it's amazing the level some will stoop when faced with their own problems. These companies provide a service that admittedly comes with a risk. The customers are well aware of this before they ever drop a penny or purchase a cheeseburger.

To even allow this one to be heard in a court of law is a joke.

This would be a great arguement for Loser Pay lawsuit reform.

Example: You bring a lawsuit against someone and you lose the case, you are responsible for court costs and lawyer fees for the accused.

Result: Less frivolous lawsuits!

I am not responsible for my own actions!

I am not able to make decisions for myself!

That kind of thinking drives me oh so crazy. I worked in casinos for about three years, I had to get out of it it made me sick. Addicted gamblers are serious scum-bags, they are a waste of carbon.

MonKey

This reminds me of the film "Lost in America" with Albert Brooks.

David Howard: As the boldest experiment in advertising history, you give us our money back.

Desert Inn Casino Manager: I beg your pardon?

Except that casinos are in the business of "winning" people's money, regardless of their personal circumstances, I can't see the casino being held responsible for her losses, especially outside the casino.

Why should casinos discourage losers from losing. That's their bread and butter.

That's why you get the VIP treatment, free lodging and especially, free alcohol.

The only people who are discouraged from gambling are those who are good enough and smart enough to win.


[edit on 2008/3/14 by GradyPhilpott]

I agree, it is all her fault, and the casino shouldn't have to do anything. But I was thinking if it's obvious she has a huge problem, they should get her out, instead of taking advantage of her problem for her money.

Yes, it's her own fault. Yes, they casino's are in it for the money like they should be. No, the casino isn't responsible at all for her problem. I just thought that would be the right thing to do.

But a lawsuit is ridiculous. She should wash dishes in the casino to make the money back.

I more than a little unsympathetic.

She's the idiot that couldn't move away from the table. Passed out at the table? ...and the casino did nothing? Somehow I doubt that. Days on end without eating or any personal hygiene? No customers complained? I'm thinking there is a bit more to the story.

No ones fault but her own. Nope, no sympathy. What ever happened to personal responsibility. I get so tired of hearing, "It's everyone elses fault except mine. They made me do it. It's their fault I lost everything by being a bad gambler." Phooey. Grow up, and once, just once, admit that it's no ones fault but your own darned self.