Gambler Sues OLG
Over the course of two years, Paul Isaacs lost over $1.2 million playing his favourite games at government owned casinos.
After losing his car and home and applying for social assistance, Isaacs has now decided to sue the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Falls Management Company for his financial woes.
Isaacs and his lawyer, Roger Yachetti, are arguing that the casinos did nothing to discourage him from his gambling spree, despite his heavy losses.
Instead, they claim, he was rewarded with endless comps, including a Rolex watch, limousine rides and even 2 months free accommodation for the entire family when their home was damaged by fire.
"There's a huge societal interest here that needs to be looked at and protected, more so than it has been up to now," said Yachetti. "Governments can become addicted to the income from gambling and not enough attention is paid to the evils."
The government, for its part, has certainly made impressive strides in curbing compulsive gambling. Nearly $40 million was spent in 2009 alone on the treatment, research and prevention of problem gambling.
The OLG has also played an important role in the fight against problem gambling, adding another $9.6 million on responsible gambling campaigning.
Isaacs made efforts to limit his own gambling, asking twice to be banned from casinos. However, he requested a reinstatement in both cases.
The defence in Isaacs' case said that "gambling is a form of entertainment. Casino patrons pay for that entertainment through their wagering, just as theatre patrons pay for a ticket to a play or sports fans pay for a ticket to a game. Mr. Isaacs' wagering was an expenditure, not a loss that is recognized at law."
