Gambler sues Downtown Grand Las Vegas casino after losing $500k while drunk

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Mark Johnston says the Downtown Grand should have cut him off and certainly should not have loaned him the $500,000
The Downtown Grand is countersuing Johnston for trying to shirk his debt

PUBLISHED: 17:56 EST, 5 March 2014 | UPDATED: 18:22 EST, 5 March 2014

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'They should have cut me off!': Mark Johnston says the Dowtown Grand in Las Vegas took advantage of his drunken stupor when they gave him a $500,000 loan

A California man who lost $500,000 during a Las Vegas trip over the Super Bowl weekend is suing the casino for his losses because he was blackout drunk.

Retiree Mark Johnston is suing the brand new Downtown Grand for loaning him the money and allowing him to play while he was inebriated.

Nevada law bars casinos from allowing visibly drunk patrons to gamble and from serving them comped drinks.

'I feel like they picked my pockets,' Johnston told MyNews3. 'I feel like they took a drunk guy...like a drunk guy walking down the street, and you reach in his pockets and grab all his money.'

According to Johnston's complaint, he drank at the airport and on the way to the hotel.

He and his friends at at a restaurant, then things get fuzzy for Johnston.

'After that, I don't remember anything,' he said.

But memory or no, Johnston appears to have had quite the time in Sin City.

So much so that he took out a loan with the hotel for $500,000. And promptly lost it all.

And therein lies their claim, said Johnston's attorney Sean Lyttle.

'You certainly arent't to issue half a million dollars in markers to someone who's intoxicated,' he said.

More...

The state Gaming Control Board is investigating.

The Downton Grand does not comment on pending litigation but Lyttle says the Grand, which opened late last year, is countersuing Johnston for trying to shirk his gambling debts.

Johnston says this all boils down to responsibility and, not surprisingly, he blamed the casino.

'They should have cut me off,' he said. 'The bottom line is the casinos are supposed to not gamble to you and not overserve you in alcohol. That's gaming regulation.'

Just opened: The Downtown Grand had only been open for a couple of months when Johnston visited there from California in February. The casino is counter-suing Johnston for shirking his gambling debt

Video - Las Vegas MyNews3 - KSNV

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DrBobNM, Tijeras NM USA, 1 hour ago

again, NO personal responsibility. If the legal system does its job, he will have to pay back every penny.

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jt_1, San Berdo, United States, 1 hour ago

This might not be an open and shut case like it sounds to most people un-familar with this casino. This Downtown Grand Casino offers markers to almost anyone, and with almost no pre-qualifications. I'm not a big gambler and the host said I'm pre-approved for a 15,000 marker, no credit check or anything. I don't like their marketing and style of business.

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Rammed Earth, Los Angeles, United Kingdom, 1 hour ago

The Casino will win this case, and he will have to fork over the money. I'm sure the Casino has all the video footage they need to prove their case.

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Dean, USA, United States, 1 hour ago

He was OVERSERVED !!! Its a real condition....honestly, it happens to me a lot.

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Wendy Reeves-Alvey, lincoln, United States, 3 hours ago

Wow! Really and your how old again? Maybe one you shouldn't drink two maybe you shouldn't drink either!!! losing game for you!

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Markie Mark, Ridgewood, United States, 1 hour ago

Y O U ' R E, you're.

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userpete86, IrvineCA, United States, 4 hours ago

I hope he losses. I would hate to not be able to drink while I gamble, and don't feel that this man's actions of wanting to be a big shot while drunk get in my way.

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toot, City and State, United States, 4 hours ago

An irresponsible drunken gambler and a greedy casino house = a clear financial win for lawyers of both parties.

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Old Chap, Caribbean, Grenada, 4 hours ago

It's like that when you get drunk. You do stupid stuff and can't remember what you did in the morning. But other people can...one of lifes unfairnesses I think. So stop whining and stop drinking and man up to your obligations. Case for the prosecution.......

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girlnorth, Ontario, 5 hours ago

One characteristic of addicts~ be it alcoholics, drug users, gamblers etc is this. They NEVER take responsibility for themselves~ the fault is ALWAYS directed towards others. It's a fact.

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smiley, london, United Kingdom, 6 hours ago

I don't remember typing this, so, you know, I guess I'm not responsible. But I'm lying. I remember it all very well. ......what if he won ? would he say " I'll give it all back, I think I was drunk !"