Gambler sues Caesars Windsor for failing to stop his $600K losses
A problem gambler is suing Caesars Windsor casino for failing to stop him from losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Tarwinder Shokar claims the casino and its staff should have recognized his compulsive behavior and intervened. His lawsuit seeks over $600,000 in damages and restitution.
In October 2013, Shokar visited Caesars Windsor twice, losing a total of CAD$342,000 ($261,000). On his first trip, he was treated as a VIP and lost $70,000 in under 12 hours. During the second visit, he gambled away more than $191,000 in just 24 hours.
His lawyer argues that the casino and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) should have known about his gambling addiction. The lawsuit also alleges that staff encouraged him to keep playing. However, there is no record of Shokar being self-excluded or banned by regulators.
Under the Ontario Gaming Control Act of 1992, casinos must refuse entry to intoxicated individuals or those who have been excluded. Shokar's case hinges on whether the casino violated these rules by allowing him to gamble despite his obvious compulsive behavior.
Shokar is demanding $261,000 in restitution for his losses and an additional $382,000 in punitive damages. The total claim amounts to around $643,000. The outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for how casinos in Ontario handle problem gambling cases.
