| Gambler Suing Harrah's Over $15m Casino Debt |
A man from Nebraska, who is facing felony charges relating to almost $15 million worth of Las Vegas gambling debts, has filed a civil suit against Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. for alleged breach of contract, negligence and conspiracy.The 19-page lawsuit filed in Clark County District Court seeks unspecified damages and includes 15 claims of manipulation and deceit by the casinos to get him to part with huge sums of money money.
The 52-year-old former owner of the Nebraska-based, Oriental Trading Co. also filed a complaint Thursday with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
It accuses Harrah's of violating state gambling regulations, deception, and plying him with prescription drugs and alcohol while he bet and lost millions of dollars at roulette and slot machines.
Mr Watanabe, a philanthropist and successful businessman, appeared in court earlier this year to face charges of failing to settle loans he obtained at Caesars Palace and the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino.
A spokesman for Harrah's said “We have a long-standing history of responsible and ethical practices."
"We're licensed in more jurisdictions than any other gaming company. We stand by our record."
Watanabe told the regulatory board he wagered more than $825 million in 2007 at Harrah's casinos.
< Back to news index