Problem Gamblers File $3.5 Billion Lawsuit In Ontario

A class action lawsuit has been filed by problem gamblers against the Ontario Lottery and gaming Corporation. The suit alleges that the problem gamblers were not properly protected against their own addictions.

The problem gamblers are contending that the Commission did not have a sufficient program in place to stop these gamblers from entering casinos. There is a 'self-exclusion' program, but the gamblers claim that it was not effective.

"I walked through, no one looked at me. I kept gambling for the next couple of years," said one woman who registered for the program. The program has the gamblers register and are photographed. Then, if they are caught in the casino, they can be arrested for trespassing.

The problem is that is pretty much the extent of the program. The gamblers feel that their should be more done electronically through surveillance or monitoring devices to ensure the problem gamblers do not enter the casino.

Lawyer Jerome Morse is hoping not only for a positive verdict for the people he represents, but also for other problem gamblers around the world. "(We hope it sets) a precedent that not only benefits all members, but that will benefit anyone who is subject to the dangers of gaming in North America," he said.

Ontario has before dealt with these sort of lawsuits. They have settled nine of them in the past, but have never been hit with one this large. Whatever the outcome, there will be precedent set for the future.

June 12, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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