The Nation - News from June 23, 1989

Casino executives reacted warily to a judge’s ruling that casinos may be held liable for money lost by drunk gamblers. U.S. District Court Judge Mitchell Cohen ruled Wednesday in Atlantic City, N.J., that casino operators, like tavern owners, have a responsibility to their customers. The judge’s decision stemmed from a lawsuit involving the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino and a customer who says he lost $200,000 because he was plied with free alcohol and pain killers for his injured back. The ruling will allow a court case to continue on whether the casino was responsible for Schmuel Aboud’s losses.