Woman Blames Casino For Her Gambling Problem In Lawsuit

What happens when a person embezzles over $7 million from her place of employment to pay off a gambling debt? In Canada, Christine Papakyriakou feels that the way to handle the situation is by launching a lawsuit.

Papakyriakou has filed a lawsuit against the two casinos that she owed money to for her gambling addiction. She also included the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation in her lawsuit.

"When someone loses a lot of money gambling they often cannot take responsibility for their actions," said observer William Jenkins, "in this case, the woman involved needs to cover legal costs, so I presume that is why she is going after the casinos."

Papakyriakou's gambling debt grew between $5 million and $10 million, and when the debt reached a point where she could not pay, Papakyriakou began to steal money from her employer, Andres Wines. The company has since changed their name to Andrew Peller Ltd.

After she was busted for the embezzlement, Papakyriakou plead guilty to fraud over $5,000. Her lawsuit claims that it was Casino Niagara, along with Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation that turned her into a gambling addict. She is seeking $10 million in damages in the lawsuit.

April 25, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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