This month’s casino news takes a look at two different cases involving the treatment of high-stakes gamblers in US casinos.
Missouri Casinos to Extend Credit to High Rollers
Receiving a vote of 24-9, the Missouri Senate passed a bill on Tuesday, April 14, allowing state casinos to legally extend credit to their high-rolling players. This new piece of legislation, known as SB741, comes after the casino industry’s numerous attempts to overturn a 1992 ruling prohibiting the act.
Missouri casino executives explain that credit would be given as a type of casino perk for high rollers not wanting to rack up credit card fees or carry large amounts of cash on them.
The new bill, sponsored by Sen. Scott Rupp, would require applicants to qualify for a minimum of $10,000 in credit. As long as these players can show that they’re able to come up with the money, they’ll be able to reap all the benefits of the credit-line without having to worry about accruing any interest.
Another eligibility requirement involves alcohol consumption. If you’re a high roller in the state of Missouri wanting benefit from this handy line of credit, you best apply before hitting up that sexy cocktail waitress for your favorite drink. No matter how much money you can prove you’re good for, if you’re visibly inebriated, you will not qualify for the loan.
Though 14 of the state’s casinos strongly support the proposed bill, it’ll be interesting to see how it fairs when it passes before the state House of Representatives, which has a long history of turning down similar requests.
High Roller Takes Two Atlantic City Casinos to Court
What do you do if a casino offers you complimentary amenities and then sticks you with the bill? If you’re millionaire gambler like Darryl Abramowitz, you sue.
The wealthy Long Island executive and supposed high roller claims that reps from the Borgata and Revel casinos begged him to spend his sizeable bankroll in their gambling dens, offering him lavish perks in return. From free hotel suites and unlimited food and beverage, to the use of private butlers and poolside cabanas, all was to be free of charge. However, all of this changed once Abramowitz began winning.
After pocketing upwards of $100,000 at the Borgata and around $23,000 at the Revel, Abramowitz says that both casinos immediately reneged on their promises, expecting that he pay for the luxurious freebies they had initially offered him.
Abramowitz has therefore decided to take on Atlantic City, demanding that he be reimbursed for the complimentary services he was originally promised. As for whether his case will hold up in court, we’ll have to wait and see.