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Gambler Sues Casinos for $20M
Gambling 'addict' says dens failed to stop her from blowing $1 million
By Harry Kimball
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Posted Mar 9, 08 5:30 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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A former New York attorney is suing seven casinos for $20 million, claiming they helped woo her to the tables, and let her continue to play and lose despite an obvious gambling addiction. Workers at Atlantic City and Las Vegas gambling dens should have stopped her from blowing $1 million and destroying her career, she argues. "They knew I was going for days without eating or sleeping," she told AP. "I would pass out at the tables. They had a duty of care."
Casino executives deny they are to blame, and an industry spokesman said workers are trained to spot problem gamblers and refer them to help—and gamblers can arrange to have themselves barred from casinos. The former lawyer is facing criminal charges for stealing from clients, and she owes the IRS $58,000. "People say, 'You enjoyed yourself and now you want your money back.' They think gambling is fun. It isn't, believe me—not when you get like I did," she said.