Gambler’s trial postponed

Monday, July 22, 2002 | 11:06 a.m.

The trial for a gambler accused of owing $2.57 million to the bankrupt Aladdin hotel-casino in Las Vegas has been postponed until October.

Curtis Pilot, Mobile, Ala., was sued for breach of contract by the Aladdin in November after he allegedly failed to pay gambling debts run up between June 28 and July 5, 2001. Pilot filed a counterclaim against the casino company, alleging that it reneged on a credit and incentive agreement.

The case was transferred to U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Las Vegas because the Aladdin filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.

After numerous delays, the matter was scheduled for trial this month, but Judge Robert Jones postponed it to early October.

According to the Aladdin's complaint, Pilot was required to repay markers for debts within 60 days of their issuance.

Pilot, in his counterclaim, said his original agreement with the Aladdin was modified and he was given permission to pay his debts within 90 days. He said when he went to settle his debts, he was told his agreement had been terminated, his $2 million credit limit revoked and he was no longer allowed to bet in high-limit games at the casino.

Pilot said the termination of the agreement cut his opportunity to win back his losses.