An Australian gambler is suing a casino for tens of millions of dollars for allegedly luring him back to the gaming tables after he had banned himself from the premises.
Self-confessed gambling addict and property developer Harry Kakavas is claiming Aus$30-million (about R170-million) he says he lost playing baccarat at Melbourne’s Crown Casino in a 14-month spree — plus damages.
Kakavas told the Victorian Supreme Court the casino contacted him in late 2004 after learning he had been gambling in Las Vegas and tempted him back to the tables, the Sun-Herald newspaper reported on Thursday.
Before long he was being flown around in the casino’s VIP jet and was betting up to Aus$300 000 a hand in private gaming suites, he said in a statement to the court.
“They knew my gaming history,” Kakavas said. “I excluded myself because I knew I had a problem. They should not have contacted me.”
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has ordered the casino to hand over all documents relating to its dealings with Kakavas. — AFP