Addict who gambled $1.4b sues casino
30 October 2008AUSTRALIA -- As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald: "Crown Casino chief executive Rowen Craigie was allegedly part of a plan to target a chronic gambler who turned over $1.4 billion in a 14-month gambling spree while banned from every casino in Australia.
"The explosive allegations are part of amended Supreme Court documents which also reveal that gambling addict Harry Kakavas, who is suing the casino for damages, wore a concealed hearing device that captured Crown's senior managers allegedly attempting to lure him back to the Southbank venue.
"Crown and senior executives Mr Craigie and chief operating officer John Williams will face serious claims of unconscionable conduct in what shapes as a landmark case for the Australian casino industry.
"During a conversation recorded by Mr Kakavas on February 26, 2007, Crown senior executive Richard Doggert is alleged to have said that he had been instructed by Crown chief operating officer John Williams to make contact with Mr Kakavas and induce him back to Crown's baccarat tables..."