Is “Gambling Industry” Responsible for Problem Gamblers?
A disbarred New England lawyer (since moved to Minnesota) is suing Atlantic Citycasinos and others for not intervening, and in fact encouraging her with luxury treatment, in her gambling addiction while she lost $1 million; her house, reputation and law license. Arelia (ar-RAY’-leh-uh) Margarita (mar-guh-REE-tuh) Taveras (tuh-VAIR-iss) has filed a $20 (M) million racketeering lawsuit. Legal experts say the case will set precedence, and in the unlikely event she is successful, could mean an avalanche of lawsuits against the so-called gambling industry across America, and in Canada. The lawyer contends her addiction was so severe she stayed at gaming tables for days on end even “brushing” her teeth with handi-wipes so she didn’t have to stop placing bets. The casino’s gave her luxury treatment and even sent limousines to pick her up. She was disbarred when she stole money from client accounts to cover her loses.
Arnie Wexler, the former head of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, estimates there are 5 million problem gamblers in the United States. Gambling industry spokesman say they routinely train employees to recognize obsessive behavior and maintain list banning addicted people. Critics say they do too little.
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