"Gamblers Try to Hold Casinos Responsible for Feeding Their Addiction"

palidor · 05-07-2003, 03:18 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,86154,00.html

Wednesday, May 07, 2003
By Steve Brown
David Williams' gambling addiction cost him his life savings — almost all of it dumped into the slot machines at_Casino Aztar in Indiana.

Williams decided to take action. He sued the casino.
"Casinos cannot come into this state and just take advantage of a bunch of sick people," said his attorney, Terry Noffsinger.

The first judge to hear the case sided with the casino, but Williams has appealed the decision. His claim is among a growing number of lawsuits that aim to hold the gaming industry responsible for exploiting compulsive gamblers.

The Rev. Tom Grey of the_National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion (search)_said slot machines are "delivery systems" for gambling addiction.

"The more available and accessible we make it, the more addiction it delivers," said Grey, who predicts the eventual success of lawsuits that target casinos.

The industry says it tries to spot compulsive gamblers. It has "been very proactive to help out that 1 percent who can't help themselves," said Frank Fahrenkopf of the_American Association of Gambling.

But that didn't happen in Williams' case. When his gambling got out of control and a worried friend asked the casino to intervene, Williams was banned from entering Aztar. But early in 1999, after 11 gambling-free months, the casino began luring him back — mailing him tickets for complimentary hotel stays and meals.
Williams returned to the casino.

"It starts out as an adrenaline rush," he said. "But in a period of about seven days, I lost $38,000."

When it was all over, he had squandered about $175,000 and had to file for bankruptcy.

Williams' lawsuit claims the casino should have done more to keep him out. The casino counters that Williams was the cause of his own problems.

"You shouldn't sue McDonald's claiming they're responsible for your obesity problems," said Patrick Shoulders, Casino Aztar's lawyer. "Fundamentally, problem gamblers have to take responsibility for their own actions."

The U.S. District judge in that case agreed, ruling that under state and federal law, Aztar had no duty to protect Williams from his gambling habit. His attorneys have appealed the decision.

The Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling has been monitoring the case and hopes it will be the first step in requiring more responsibility from casinos.

Meanwhile, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill that would authorize a statewide list of self-proclaimed compulsive gamblers who want to be barred from casinos. If they do try to enter a casino, they would be charged with trespassing. Casinos would be prohibited from sending them coupons or cashing their checks.

The bill is now before the state Senate.

DeviousJ · 05-07-2003, 03:20 PM

I wonder how long it would take the casino to win back his settlement

bornentertainer · 05-07-2003, 03:46 PM

When will people just face up to their own stupidity?

ammy · 05-07-2003, 04:15 PM

what ever happened to the retards suing fast food companies for making them fat? they lost, right? tell me they lost...

people should be shot.

Junebug · 05-07-2003, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by palidor
Williams decided to take action. He sued the casino.
"Casinos cannot come into this state and just take advantage of a bunch of sick people," said his attorney, Terry Noffsinger.

ahahah. nice.

and I think some of the obese people did win lawsuits against some fast food corporations, but hopefully I'm making that up.

Andrew_Pakula · 05-07-2003, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ammy
what ever happened to the retards suing fast food companies for making them fat? they lost, right? tell me they lost...

people should be shot.

Yea the idiots trying to sue McDonalds lost but I think I heard they are appealing and trying again.

bonsor · 05-07-2003, 08:13 PM

What a great business.

Nimrod's Son · 05-07-2003, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ******
What a great business.

Lawyers?

bonsor · 05-07-2003, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nimrod's Son

Lawyers?

no, casinos.

"Hey guys, come into this big shiny tacky room, put a whole bunch of your money in these machines and maybe you'll get some back."

dusty · 05-07-2003, 08:50 PM

yeah but the idiots who sue the cigarette companies for their cancer are winning.

they are the fuck ups that ruin everything for the rest of us.

Nimrod's Son · 05-07-2003, 09:00 PM

I should sue Jenna Jameson for many years of excessive masturbation.

05-07-2003, 03:18 PM	#1
palidor Apocalyptic Poster Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,073	"Gamblers Try to Hold Casinos Responsible for Feeding Their Addiction" http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,86154,00.html Wednesday, May 07, 2003 By Steve Brown David Williams' gambling addiction cost him his life savings — almost all of it dumped into the slot machines at_Casino Aztar in Indiana. Williams decided to take action. He sued the casino. "Casinos cannot come into this state and just take advantage of a bunch of sick people," said his attorney, Terry Noffsinger. The first judge to hear the case sided with the casino, but Williams has appealed the decision. His claim is among a growing number of lawsuits that aim to hold the gaming industry responsible for exploiting compulsive gamblers. The Rev. Tom Grey of the_National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion (search)_said slot machines are "delivery systems" for gambling addiction. "The more available and accessible we make it, the more addiction it delivers," said Grey, who predicts the eventual success of lawsuits that target casinos. The industry says it tries to spot compulsive gamblers. It has "been very proactive to help out that 1 percent who can't help themselves," said Frank Fahrenkopf of the_American Association of Gambling. But that didn't happen in Williams' case. When his gambling got out of control and a worried friend asked the casino to intervene, Williams was banned from entering Aztar. But early in 1999, after 11 gambling-free months, the casino began luring him back — mailing him tickets for complimentary hotel stays and meals. Williams returned to the casino. "It starts out as an adrenaline rush," he said. "But in a period of about seven days, I lost $38,000." When it was all over, he had squandered about $175,000 and had to file for bankruptcy. Williams' lawsuit claims the casino should have done more to keep him out. The casino counters that Williams was the cause of his own problems. "You shouldn't sue McDonald's claiming they're responsible for your obesity problems," said Patrick Shoulders, Casino Aztar's lawyer. "Fundamentally, problem gamblers have to take responsibility for their own actions." The U.S. District judge in that case agreed, ruling that under state and federal law, Aztar had no duty to protect Williams from his gambling habit. His attorneys have appealed the decision. The Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling has been monitoring the case and hopes it will be the first step in requiring more responsibility from casinos. Meanwhile, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill that would authorize a statewide list of self-proclaimed compulsive gamblers who want to be barred from casinos. If they do try to enter a casino, they would be charged with trespassing. Casinos would be prohibited from sending them coupons or cashing their checks. The bill is now before the state Senate.

05-07-2003, 03:20 PM	#2
DeviousJ CORNFROST Location: GUREITO DESU YO Posts: 24,891	I wonder how long it would take the casino to win back his settlement

05-07-2003, 03:46 PM	#3
bornentertainer Apocalyptic Poster Location: bay area Posts: 4,468	When will people just face up to their own stupidity?

05-07-2003, 04:15 PM	#4
ammy yer mom Posts: 23,180	what ever happened to the retards suing fast food companies for making them fat? they lost, right? tell me they lost... people should be shot.

05-07-2003, 08:13 PM	#7
bonsor Minion of Satan Location: midwest Posts: 8,771	What a great business.

05-07-2003, 08:50 PM	#10
dusty Minion of Satan Location: holding on. Posts: 5,932	yeah but the idiots who sue the cigarette companies for their cancer are winning. they are the fuck ups that ruin everything for the rest of us.

05-07-2003, 09:00 PM	#11
Nimrod's Son Master of Karate and Friendship Location: in your butt Posts: 72,943	I should sue Jenna Jameson for many years of excessive masturbation.