Problem Gambler's Lawsuit against BetMGM Dismissed

The recent lawsuit filed against BetMGM by a New York resident, Sam Antar, has reached its conclusion. Antar's claim, alleging that the gambling operator enticed him with enticing bonuses despite his gambling addiction, was dismissed by US District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo.

Sam Antar, the nephew of Eddie Antar, the founder of the defunct "Crazy Eddie" electronics store chain, filed the lawsuit against BetMGM. In his legal action, he argued that BetMGM violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) by offering him various bonuses. Antar also claimed that the operator had enticed him despite his known gambling addiction, which ultimately led to his loss of nearly $30 million while gambling with BetMGM.

The court's ruling last week favored BetMGM, as Judge Arleo determined that the Casino Control Act (CCA) took precedence over the CFA. This dismissal was based on the belief that the CFA claim was preempted by the CCA and that the plaintiff failed to make a valid negligence claim.

Judge Arleo's ruling emphasized that even though gambling addiction is recognized as a substance addiction disorder in the DSM 5, the New Jersey legislature has not mandated casinos to prevent or deter individuals with gambling problems from engaging in their services.

Despite this setback, Sam Antar plans to appeal the court's decision. His attorney, Matthew Litt, expressed disappointment with the outcome, arguing that the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act is designed to protect consumers in the state. The case is far from over, and Antar is determined to continue his legal fight against BetMGM.