New York Man Appeals NJ Casino Case Regarding Problem Gambling

Sam Antar is a gambler who recently tried to sue MGM Resorts in New Jersey for alleged predatorial behavior at the Borgata Casino and BetMGM Casino online. Antar said the casinos continued to give him bonuses despite a gambling problem, and he ended up spending over $25 million within an eight-month period on gambling. Back in January, US District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo decided that laws in New Jersey do not prevent or require casinos to stop persuading players to gamble when they exhibit problem gambling behaviors. Now, Antar is bringing his case back to court with an appeal. He is hoping to see a different ruling in the case.

The judge in the ruling stated that there will be no punishment for casinos that push gaming on those who may have a gambling issue unless legislative changes are made. Matthew Litt, the attorney representing Antar, stated that there is a problem with the persistence that casinos take in approaching bettors who have chosen to stop gambling in the past due to problem behavior.

Litt emphasized that the casinos say there is an opt-out, but the people don’t take it. The attorney wants to see the legislature move the burden to the casinos and have something in place, such as if a player does opt back in for 30 days, the casino is not allowed to contact the individual.

Antar claims that he lost over $25 million from May 2019 to January 2020. He was hit with an offer after an offer by New Jersey casinos operated by MGM Resorts. Bonuses and promotions are provided to players in New Jersey who play online as well as at land-based casinos. Antar was given several promotions and continued to accept them despite having a gambling problem.

After taking his case to court, the judge ruled that no action could legally be taken against the casinos. The only option would be to impose punishment on gaming operators if they are in violation of the Consumer Fraud Act in regards to Antar’s case.  

It will be interesting to see how the case progresses in the coming weeks. Will Antar see a successful ruling, or will he be denied once again? 

In other legal news, Atlantic City is facing yet another lawsuit regarding the road diet and Phase 2 of the project. It appeared as though the next phase would be starting soon, but another hearing for the ongoing lawsuit is on the table for March 18.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority voted in February to try to stop Phase 2, which will reduce the four-lane roadway to two lanes. Mayor Marty Small says the Road Diet will help the city improve safety on the roadways.

Atlantic Avenue is considered to be one of the most dangerous roads, and the changes should help create a safer driving area. However, many are opposed to the project, including casinos. Gaming venues feel the changes could have a real negative impact on the public health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors.

Right now, Phase 2 is set up to begin after Labor Day. It will be interesting to see if the upcoming meeting sees any changes to the plans or if the roadwork will continue as normal. If it is allowed to continue, it will slow down access to the casinos in Atlantic City, which could cause harm to overall revenues or visitation numbers.