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StumbleJudge to Harrah’s: Turn over records on high roller’s intoxication claims
Terrance K. Watanabe, left, of Omaha, Neb., leaves the Regional Justice Center following his arraignment in Las Vegas on May 20, 2009, accompanied by sister Pam Watanabe-Gerdes.
Published Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 | 1:06 p.m.
Updated Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 | 8:50 p.m.
Sun Archives
- New attorney takes on booze defense (10-21-2009)
- Harrah's hires local gun to help in Watanabe case (9-13-2009)
- New attorneys assist in Harrah's probe of high roller's intoxication claims (7-25-2009)
- High-roller fights law regarding collection of gambling debts (7-17-2009)
- Grand jury indicts high roller in $14.7M casino debt case (4-29-2009)
- High roller posts $1.5 million bail to avoid jail stay (2-18-2009)
A Clark County District Court ruled today that Harrah’s Entertainment must turn over records to attorneys representing a high roller who allegedly owes $14.7 million in gambling debts.
Businessman Terrance Watanabe, one of the biggest gamblers in Las Vegas history, alleges casino giant Harrah’s Entertainment not only kept him drunk but fed him drugs to induce his massive gambling losses.
Watanabe lost $127 million in Harrah’s-owned Caesars Palace and Rio casinos in 2006 and 2007 and has paid about $112 million of that to the company. A grand jury indicted Watanabe on felony theft charges in April for passing bad checks stemming from the remaining amount Harrah’s says it is owed.
Watanabe, facing 28 years in prison if convicted, claims he doesn’t owe the money because the markers he signed aren’t enforceable.
Watanabe also claims Harrah’s had agreed to forgive the amount of gambling losses he owed by 30 percent and had racked up gambling rewards points entitling him to further discounts. He also says Harrah’s agreed to withhold collection of his markers for at least 60 days.
District Court Judge Jennifer Togliatti ruled that Watanabe could collect otherwise confidential information from Harrah’s Entertainment to build his defense in a criminal case prosecuted by the district attorney’s office. The information also could be used in a separate civil case Watanabe has filed against Harrah’s.
“This is a huge boost to the defense,” Watanabe’s Los Angeles-based attorney, Pierce O’Donnell, said after the hearing.
Las Vegas attorney Dominic Gentile, representing Harrah’s, said he was also happy with the hearing because the ruling set specific parameters on the information Watanabe could seek from the company.
“What the judge said today is that a criminal defendant such as Mr. Watanabe doesn’t get to go on a fishing expedition,” Gentile said.
Separately, Nevada casino regulators are investigating Watanabe’s gambling history. State law forbids casinos from allowing intoxicated customers to make bets while continuing to ply them with alcohol.
While free — and free-flowing — booze is a key and legal part of casinos’ marketing strategy to lure players, Watanabe’s attorneys claim he was excessively drunk to the point that he was slumped over at the gambling tables and walking into walls.
Harrah’s Entertainment must turn over records of alcoholic beverages served to Watanabe, casino credit extended to Watanabe, computer records tracking his gambling activity and records of notes about Watanabe that employees handed off to the next shift of workers. If specific records of Watanabe’s alcohol consumption aren’t available, Harrah’s must produce records indicating shipments of Jewel of Russia — an unusual brand of vodka Watanabe’s attorneys say he drank in large quantities during his gambling binges.
Harrah’s also must hand over surveillance video of him gambling at Caesars Palace and any information related to prescription and non-prescription drugs provided to Watanabe by Harrah’s employees.
In addition, Harrah’s must turn over Gaming Control Board documents related to Watanabe’s conduct and any written correspondence between Harrah’s Entertainment and Wynn Las Vegas, where Watanabe was previously gambling before he was courted to play at Caesars and Rio.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Bernie Zadrowski, who is prosecuting Watanabe, argued in court that the vast majority of information sought by Watanabe is irrelevant to the case.
Under the state’s bad check law, casino markers are considered checks. Individuals must have the money to pay them the instant they are signed, regardless of any side agreement with a casino or the state of mind of the person signing the check, he said.
“The crime is drawing on a lack of funds, not failing to pay the money back,” Zadrowski said. A casino may agree not to cash a marker right away as a courtesy, but “it doesn’t mean you can’t have money in your account,” he said.
District Court Judge Donald Mosley still must decide whether the information will be admissible during the trial, which is scheduled to begin July 12.
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Good for Judge Togliatti. It is nice to see a local judge who is not afraid to stand up to the casino bullies, unlike Judge Eric Gooodman in the whitewash of other crimes by Harrah's. See http://www.thebeargrowls.com/?p=602 if you need a reminder of the cowardice of DA David Roger and Judge Eric Goodman.
I'm with you GrandmaCrabby. At what point do people take personal responsiblity for thier own actions?? A whale comes into the casino, starts tossing money around, asks for booze, hot women and Lord knows what else, but it's everyone else's fault that he got loaded and lost money - except his? Pay up Watanabe!
If this had happened in 'old Vegas' and he tried to squelch on the money he owed he'd be lost in the desert!
I think it's his fault, but it is possible someone slipped something in his drink.
The obvious solution would be to prohibit gambling providers from offering credit but that will never happen.
Hence, the desired effect has been obtained.
The plan was a success.
Vegas wins again!
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Who put a gun to this guy's head and forced him to gamble, or even come to LV at all? I'm another one in favor of individuals taking responsibility for their actions in life.
Notwithstanding the responsibility angle, my bet would be a settlement or plea agreement pushed by Harrah's.
I'm in favor of Watanabe. Doesn't Harrahs have a history of abusing high rollers. Let the facts be released. Wasn't it HARRAHS that was charged for not repairing rooms to code and fired the whistleblower?
This guy has no one to blame but himself.
Pathetic.
It's a shame that our judicial system will be burdened with this case.
Pay Up, Sucker!!! Someone should keep this boy on a short lease, what a dope...
Pam is pretty hot.
Look, this will never go anywhere in court,the "turning over records stuff" is just a nice thing the court is doing.
If the judgement ever went in favor of Wanabe, it could take down LV, so it will never happen.
Harrah's didn't push any of that stuff on him. It's a guarantee he got everything he asked for, except a winning streak.
Isn't the CEO of Harrah's on TV promoting responsible gambling. The pit boss must of thought loosing over 100 million was responsible.
Warning to patrons who sit at a video poker bar. After all the free drinks and if you loose, you can take it to court? No difference except the decimal point.
I agree Wantabee has no case at all. How did Harrah's "keep him intoxicated"?
Pay up big boy. You were big enough to get drunk, drugged, and gamble away the family fortune. Now it's time to pay up.
unbelievable, does this state have that many
illiterate buffoons !!!
better look up the word lose versus the word
loose imbeciles !
greendino...
Ain't gonna happen. It's gonna be "time to pay up" for HARRAH'S. I hope they pay, and pay, and...
I think it is a crime to give HUUUUUGE credit lines to anyone who is blotto... and this guy was completely ZONED, by design, compliments of HARRAH'S. If you have followe the story, it's a tawdry one, but I'm sure a common one for the casino industry. Maybe if Harrah's "pays up", they will think twice about using this particular swindle again... but I doubt it; The upside is too lucrative.
p.s...
I think it's also criminal that the local D.A. prosecutes these cases for the casinos. Do your own damn collecting.
Watanabe lost nearly $127 million in 2007 at Caesars Palace and the Rio. He paid $112 million of the debt but has refused to pay the rest, claiming Harrah's reneged on promises to return some of his losses.
SO HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH TO SAY "WHOA"..$127 MILLION?? GGEZZ..Does this guy own a Xerox machine to print money? At that rate, Harrah's should have gone and done something. Waht about all those signs around that says "got a gambling problem? call......"
gmag
I agree that the manager's of Harrah's, or any other business for that matter, are complete irresponsible buffoons for extending credit like this. No doubt they SHOULD change their policy.
However, the only one who kept this Wannabee zoned was Wannabee. I'm sure he enjoyed all the freebies that accompany the high roller lifestyle.
The problem is, if this guy is allowed to wiggle out of his debt, why not let everybody? Or, should the casinos no longer give a coctail to the players. This really stinks. Those of us who can drink, gamble responsibily, would pay the price.
I'm sorry this man has a problem with drinking, drugs, and gambling. But, that is exactly what they are..... his problem. So, again, he should pay up and enter a long long rehab program.
Pam (cute haircut) might also be saying: "Gosh, Omaha in January is nothing like this - maybe this case will get a lot of continuances!"
Just a guess, one side will flinch and we will never here about this story again unless on page 4, in small print
DINO...
The "gotcha" here is that Harrah's ALLEDGEDLY supplied the PILLS in addition to getting him sloshed, and fronting him the big bucks to lose.
I think they are gonna pay. But, this IS Vegas; crooked as the day is long.
At the risk of losing their gaming licenses, the casinos know better than to supply illegal substances or services to the players. This case will continue for a while, but Harrah's will come out on top. Watanabe, you took the bait, enjoyed yourself, then then got carried away, but nothetheless you must pay for it. Love the speculative comments about what the sister must be thinking. Keep em coming. LG
In my opinion they got him drunk and kept him intoxicated and should be held responsible for that.
There's no way in the world they upheld the principle of responsible gaming.
I believe the judge should rule in favor of Mr. Watanabe and extinguish the debt.
All just my opinion.
The videos of this man totally out of it losing millions will set this town on its heels.. We all know it happens and now it will be evidence.
Remember Harrah's owns about 30% of the strip-take away their liqour/gaming license---are u kidding me!! Take that away, and u can begin to take away the overpaid firemen jobs, overpaid monorail board members, ripoff cab ride fares, $8 beers at Paris.
This is the same Harrah's operation that rescinded three sports wagers totaling $1650 submitted by Sun Sports Columnist Jeff Haney which violated State gaming regulations -- Harrah's recently settled the violation by paying a $100,000 fine.
Also note, Watanabe was refused and/or had his gaming credit limited by other casino operators without incident.
Ref:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jan...
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Harrahs knew what they were getting into when they filled him full of drinks and let him sign under markers under those conditions. Under the law, that is considered illegal.
Give him "all" his money back.
A little more detailed reading:
http://www.therxforum.com/showthread.php...
Losing 127 million in 2 years, Not counting what he lost at Wynn and others.
This guy is a serioully bad gambler. That's about $174,000 a day 365 days a year for 2 years....IF he was there EVERY day.
If I lost a hundred bucks gambling, I'd certainly be sick about it. That's why I usually quit if it gets to $20.
Find a new form of recreation Terry! You're sure loose with the money you lose.
It's very classy and good business that Steve Wynn recognized his problems and barred him.
It seems like Harrahs is rationalizing and justifying their way through this matter.
Each time I read what Ms. Jan Jones says, it doesn't ring like the truth.
All my opinion.
The District Attorney has become the enforcement arm of the casinos, replacing the services provided by the mob. The special interests success in pirating the office from the citizens of Las Vegas and their best interests to "Casino Muscle" is deplorable and illogical. Harrah's contention that they "stole the money fair and square" is laughable.
The best interests of the Casinos and the citizens of Las Vegas would have been much better served if Harrahs had written off the $14,000,000.00 and especially kept the spotlight out of the press.
Harrahs is responsible for their business activities and should be accountable. The guy has a sickness and apparently so does Harrahs, the voters in Nevada and the District Attorney.
How can you lose $127 Million and still want to keep playing . I would have given up after losing $5k .
It is against the law for a liqour licensee to serve an intoxicated person drinks, or let hem gamble. The casino should be on trial, not the victim.
I wonder what kind of guy he was in high school? Did he suck at sports and was a poor sportsman there too?
If I had $127 million to lose, I would just buy Harrahs. Never mind gambling it away. Didn't the people at Harrah's think about this? If I had a customer who just kept racking up the losses, I would do some digging to see if this guy was a debtor somewhere else. I don't care how much money you have, it's not wise to gamble more money than what the establishment is worth.
Watanabe was sick and acting out on compulsions and addictions.
Yes, that's true, however,
Harrahs played right into that, lured him in and fed those compulsions and addictions for their own corporate greed.
They are at blame and should pay dearly for this.
He should get all his money back plus damages.
This was overkill and an example should be set.
The judge's order is a bit empty. Not only will Harrah's attorneys turn over records that barely reveal any complicity on Harrah's part, but the admissability of the records at a trial is debatable. If I was facing the duo of Clark County and Harrah's, I'd ask nicely for a plea agreement and cut my losses (then again, Watanabe has proven he's not very good when it comes to stemming his losses).
I first thought Wynn noble for barring Watanabe from his casino. Then read two other casinos including Bellagio "settling" with Watanabe on gambling debts. I suspect Wynn did likewise. There is a pattern. Terrance gets trashed, blows several million then asks for a discount when sober. Wouldn't blame Steve for saying "OK, 25% off, don't come back." One of the "perks" reportedly afforded this loser was 15% off losses over $500K. The guy not only an alcoholic and degenerate gambler was unaware that Nevada has prisons for debtors, unlike Nebraska.
Ask yourselves this, would Bugsy give the money back to this loser? Thank you, case closed....
Dear Harrah's, I lost $112.00 last week at one of your properties, see you in court.
He owes the money period...Have had. in the past. a reasonably good experience at several Harrahs owned properties..
no one should be on the side of the casinos here. Why do you think the booze is free? The whole system is designed to steal from you.
Plus.. this guy has a good heart. He send hundreds of pies to the dealers at The Hard Rock because it was Thanksgiving. Say what you will..but I'm routin' for him.
Well I cant possibly imagine him winning this case against Harrahs.
The vodka brand he drank is so rare and exclusive - the most the hotels could of possibly gotten their hands on were a few bottles at the most. Trust me, I can't find it anywhere here in the Valley for purchase and must pay astronomical prices at Red Square or MIX to savor the Jewel of Russia vodka.
I wish him the best as he was liked by so many from what I hear.
But whats funny is that he paid 112 million and its just the last few he wont pay?
Skoll!
G
What's funny is he paid 112m and Harrahs is going after him for the balance.
CEO'S NEED THEIR BONUS MONEY!
There is a more important issue here that must be resolved. Only in the state of Nevada, and nowhere else in the country can a person be prosocuted and put in jail for not repaying a debt. It is not against the law to not repay a debt. It is a civil matter. Even the IRS cannot put a person in jail for not paying their taxes, as long as that person reports his taxes.
The state gets away with this by disguising markers as checks, and stating that the debtor has passed a bad check. This is a bunch of balony. These markers are not drawn on a specific bank, or against a specific account. Just because they use the words "pay to the order of" does not make them checks.
It is high time that someone found a way to get this issue taken up in some federal court. If a casino chooses to extend credit, and does not get paid back, it is their problem. They should take up ordinary collection efforts, just like everyone else, and not have the ability to throw someone in jail.
How do you spell vulture?
H A R R A H S
HARRAH'S is more than a vulture...
It's the biggest criminal enterprise in town
with D.A. Zadrowski (collection agent) in it's pocket there's no stopping this corporate culprit that specializes in ruining lives...
i hope this case takes the mighty caesar down
HARRAH'S CHEATS!!!
INDICT D.A. BERNIE ZADROWSKI!!!
INVESTIGATE THE GAMING CONTROL BOARD!!!
WAKE UP AMERICA...
wanna see how harrah's cheats...
check out the link below:
http://www.thebeargrowls.com/?p=602
I used to work for this guy and he deserves everything he gets. He has always liked to gamble, always liked drugs and alcohol. When I worked for him he was always trying to cheat people out of a buck. If he did something nice for you, most of the time you would have pay for his generosity some way, some how. This man is pathetic. I'm not saying Harrah's didn't do anything wrong but you don't have coupon for this one Terry. Time to pay full price. BTW - his sister is a doll. He has a very nice brother too.
Taking responsibility for one's own actions is something that has lost its validity over the past 50 years or so.
Blaming someone or something other than yourself has taken its place.
But if he wins, I'm heading down to Harrah's with my life-savings and have a few alcoholic beverages while betting heavy on number "34".
If he wins, I can't lose!