Casino gambling spree leads to lawsuit against casino

3 Nov 2008

A disgruntled gambling addict is taking Crown Casino in Melbourne to court. Harry Kakavas says he has been barred from casinos in Australia due to problem casino gambling but despite this Crown Casino's managers continued trying to lure him back to the baccarat tables.

E-mails detailing a plan to bring Kakavas back to the casino are on record at the Supreme Court in Victoria state. According to Kakavas, the casino attempted to lure him back with offers of free flights and cash. They also offered him a 20% refund on his losses. His lawyer, Cliff Panham told the court that Crown Casino started calling his client when they found out that he was flying to Las Vegas for casino gambling.

Jeff Sher, the lawyer for Crown Casino says that Mr Kakavas was not forced to gamble. Spokesman for the Crown, Gary O'Neil said that the Crown will not respond to allegations but would be defending the action vigorously. Crown Casino is owned by the Australian billionaire James Packer. Packer is currently looking to expand in Macau where he already owns Crown Macau and developing "The City of Dreams".

Crown Casino had a reported increase of 4 percent on casino gambling revenues this month. Craigie and Chief Operating Officer John Williams stand charged with unconscionable conduct, should the judge rule in favor of Kakavas, Crown Casino will be guilty of breaching Australia's Trade Practices Act, state gambling regulations and laws.

Problem casino gambling is on the increase globally and the Australian government are taking action. New laws aimed to protect problem gambler have been introduced in the NSW parliament. One of the new laws bans cash withdrawals inside casinos. Problem casino gambling can devastate families, lead to depression, anxiety, financial and legal troubles, Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said.

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