Addicted Gambler Files $20 Million Law Suit

Atlantic City, NJ -- Arelia Margarita Taveras, 37 was an ambitious lawyer who had her very own practice. Unfortunately she became addicted to gambling, lost her practice, apartment, and parents home; also owing the IRS a whopping $58.000. She was disbarred last June and is now facing criminal charges after admitting to dipping into her clients escrow accounts in order to finance her gambling habit. For days Taveras would sit at casino tables without eating or sleeping; using disposable wipes to brush her teeth so she wouldn't have to leave. Due to the her current situation Taveras has contemplated suicide by swerving into oncoming traffic.

Her lawsuit states that the casinos should have paid close attention to her; realizing she had an gambling addiction. It includes four casinos in New Jersey, and one in Las Vegas, NV. Joe Carbo of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said that casino workers undergo extension training on spotting problem gamblers. Their job is to refer an individual to help which includes a self exclusion list. Gamblers must take it upon themselves to be included on this list, which currently consists of 663 individuals. The casino of course doesn't admit in wrong doing, and states that individuals have to be held accountable for his/her own actions.

I enjoy going to the casino; its a form of entertainment for me and if I win a little money or simply break even I'm happy. Before going I'm always sure to pay all my bills, and put a little in savings for emergencies. There are times unfortunately when I've lost around fifty dollars or so, but I never go with more than $100.00. My strategy is "don't take more than I can afford to lose", and so far this has worked in my favor. There is no need for a debit/credit cards because I've already brought with me the allotted amount.

The casinos included in the lawsuit may not follow the rules and let individuals know about exclusion lists or help lines. I fully understand that gambling is an addiction along with crack, heroin, or alcohol. Whenever I walk into a casino the there are normally posters listing an 800 number for individuals to call that are seeking help for a gambling addiction. With addiction some individuals can take it upon themselves to seek help, while others may need someone who cares enough to be their strength; helping them through their trying time. In the state of Arkansas they refuse to open up casinos for fear of individuals spending their life savings towards gambling. Last I checked the required minimum age to enter into a casino is twenty-one. Again I fully understand that the level of maturity for individuals varies from person to person, but the average adult understands that employment, a roof over their head, food, as well as sleep are all required in order to function in life properly.