MGM Resorts International is rebuffing allegations brought against them by a New Yorker, Sam Antar, claiming that MGM exploited his gambling addiction. MGM contends that Antar holds a criminal record of fraudulent activities and has victimised numerous people in the past. His allegations, they assert, are just another attempt to wrongfully incriminate their reputable company.
MGM Resorts Responds in Kind and Calls for Case Dismissal in Lawsuit Filed by Convicted Fraudster, Sam Antar
In a response submitted on June 9 to the US District Court in New Jersey, MGM argues that Antar, a twice-jailed fraudster, is weaving yet another scam by pinning the blame on the company for his actions. MGM has requested Antar’s suit be dismissed and suggested that the matter be settled through arbitration as per the agreed terms of service when Antar started his online betting profile.
Antar, the nephew of Eddie Antar, the founder of the now-defunct Crazy Eddie electronics shops, is well-known for his history of fraudulent activities. Antar was sentenced to federal prison in 2013 for operating a deceptive investment scheme, and in 2022, he was found guilty and imprisoned for theft by deception charges. Moreover, Antar recently confessed to federal securities fraud and received an order to pay restitution.
MGM’s court filing underscored Antar’s criminal past, asserting they played no part in creating or worsening Antar’s gambling issue. Antar initially accused MGM of dissuading him from reporting disconnections during ‘lucky streaks’ in his online betting sessions, but now his lawsuit primarily targets the alleged entrapment of a problem gambler by the casino.
MGM Points Out New Jersey Law Does Not Hold Casinos Accountable for Compulsive Gambling
MGM stressed its serious commitment to problem gambling, offering various tools for self-exclusion, play limits and providing resources for assistance. MGM also referenced a New Jersey law, which doesn’t oblige casinos to prevent addictive gamblers from taking part in gambling activities.
Antar’s rebuffed lawsuit bears similarities with a former case that involved an individual charging Atlantic City casinos in 2008, alleging that they were obligated to curb her excessive gambling. The judge ruled in favour of the defendants, stating that the casinos profiting from her misfortune did not translate into a legitimate lawsuit.
In response to Antar’s legal action, MGM has raised several defences, pointing to the previous case and Antar’s track record of criminal activities. MGM is urging the court to dismiss the case, clearly stating their conviction that the allegations are baseless and exaggerated. As this legal dispute continues, the result will dictate whether MGM will face any backlash for its alleged misconduct, or if the court will stand by the company’s defences against Antar’s accusations.
