Gambler sues Las Vegas casino for $500,000 loss, while playing drunk. Mark Johnston 52, of Southern California is suing a Las Vegas casino, the Downtown Grand for loaning him money and serving him alcohol while he was visibly intoxicated. The gambler claims that he was “blackout drunk” during the time of his loss and that the casino had a responsibility to stop him from gambling while he was visibly drunk.
Nevada law prohibits casinos from allowing visibly drunk customers from gambling and receiving comped alcoholic beverages. Johnston put a stop payment order for his casino markers, which the casino issued, additionally he is seeking damages from the Las Vegas casino for harming his reputation. Currently the Nevada Gaming Control board is investigating Johnston’s allegations.
Personally, I would be shocked if this case goes to trial. Casinos have video surveillance throughout the building, there is likely hours of video footage of Mr. Johnston, during his stay at the Downtown Grand. If he is “falling down drunk” throughout the footage, the casino may likely offer a settlement to avoid further bad press. On the other hand, if the video footage is absent of proof that he was overtly intoxicated and witnesses agree that he was ok, and Mr. Johnston is not willing to drop the suit, the Downtown Grand would have every interest to fight this case all the way to discourage future litigation by people making the same claim.
-Michael A. Troiano, Esq.
sources: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26476980
http://www.eonline.com/news/518265/gambler-sues-casino-after-losing-500-000-while-playing-drunk
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/gambler-sues-lost-500000-playing-drunk-22790975
