$4 Million Bookie Gambling Debt Ends Up In Australia's Court System

Sydney, Australia has Nick Moraitis, a well known racehorse owner in the territory. Although he is one of the most successful owners, his son has not had as good of fortune as he has.

Stephen Moraitis is in the middle of a court case in which a bookmaker is trying to recoup almost $4 million in gambling debts. The debts were accumulated between April of 2004 and June of 2007.

The Northern Territory Supreme Court will now hear the case and rule whether or not Moraitis should have to pay the debt. He has argued that Sportsbet took advantage of his gambling addiction in allowing him to rack up the debt.

Sportsbet does have a Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct that gamblers must adhere to when they choose to bet with them. Moraitis has said that the company was in violation of that code of conduct when they allowed him to keep betting.

There have been similar cases to this one in the United States that have ended up tossed out of court. Judges have been shy about setting a precedent that would allow gamblers to blame their wagering problems on casinos or sportsbooks.

Moraitis tried to get the case heard in Federal Court, but he was denied in that request and the case was subsequently sent to the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

January 4, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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