Austrian Compulsive Gambler Wins Lawsuit

The Appeals Court of Austria has awarded more than $600,000 to an Austrian gambler who claimed that Casinos Austria should have stopped him from losing in excess of $3 million during more than 100 visits to two of the company's casinos. Christian Hainz, a 40-year-old father of two, claimed his gambling losses cost him his business and caused him to attempt suicide through carbon-monoxide poisoning in his car.

According to press reports, the Austrian court affirmed Hainz's claim that Casinos Austria had an obligation to review the financial situations of regular players and to refuse them entry if there is any question concerning their solvency. Hainz had claimed half of his gambling losses as damages and was awarded an amount less than that. Further appeal is possible.

Casinos Austria operates 60 gambling facilities in 12 countries and on 17 cruise ships.