Gambling addict suing Alberta government

[Sly]

The provincial government deceived the public over the addictive nature of VLTs, a nearly $2-million lawsuit claims.

Filed on behalf of a St. Albert woman by Calgary firm McLeod Law LLP, the court action alleges the province has intentionally misled Albertans on the detrimental effects of electronic gambling machines.

The lawsuit says the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission has misrepresented the effects of EGMs since their introduction 20 years ago.

The claim seeks $1,925,000 in total damages, including $1 million for “aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages” on behalf of Gisele Jubinville.

It says Jubinville became addicted to the machines after she began playing them in 1995.

“As a result, Ms. Jubinville suffered substantial and sizable gambling losses and other detrimental effects,” says the court action.

“By contrast, the defendants have profited billions of dollars from users of EGMs and continue to profit billions of dollars each year,” says the claim, which names the province and AGLC as defendants.

Jubinville’s losses alone playing VLTs over the years has amounted to $750,000, it says.

She has also forked over $14,000 in ATM fees to get more cash to fund her addiction and another $11,000 to travel to bars, lounges and casinos to feed her habit, the claim states.

As a result, she suffered social withdrawal and nearly lost “her marriage, her family, her life.”

“The defendants’ conduct was deliberate, calculated and high-handed,” it says.

Among the unlawful acts committed by the province were “profiting for their misconduct off the backs of a vulnerable segment of society ... (and) creating gambling addicts whose addiction has destroyed countless marriages, families and lives.”

The public was misled to believe the machines were not addictive, or they were minimally addictive, it says.

Statements of defence disputing the unproven allegations have not been filed.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/10/24/s ... -2-million

What the heck happened to accountability? I would put this on the same scale as suing McDonalds cause you became fat. I really hope this gets tossed before it even reaches a judge.

[GoodWitness]

Agreed, no sense of personal responsibility.
Besides, a lawsuit like this is such a long shot....
...bwahaha!!!

[SourSkittles]

I agree with the plaintiff, I mean if the government can't do everything including wipe your ass for you it must be their fault. Who else right, sure can't be the individual who made the choices.

[mack_silent]

..

[Angerman]

Big shock, once again someone else is responsible for what I do, and I deserve a payday for being their unwitting pawn.

[John014]

No doubt they got the idea from this fucktard.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Woman+s ... story.html

[Mutt]

We had the same thing here in Ontario. Guy self excludes himself from the casino but when the addiction kicks in he goes in anyway. Sometimes to a different casino. Then he sues OLG because they didn't keep him out.

Self exclusion is almost impossible to maintain and when then asked to be able to use facial recognition software it was deemed to an invasion of privacy.

[gotchya]

This is a complete frivolous law suit. I hope the court dismisses this summarily.

[Mutt]

I think Shaq must have been having a mini stroke or something.
I'd like to meet the person who thought to shop in the poking finger. Thats talent.

[NatoBro]

I think Shaq must have been having a mini stroke or something.
I'd like to meet the person who thought to shop in the poking finger. Thats talent.

http://www.sportsgrid.com/media/shaq-twitching/

[No 20 Year Medal]

...I'd like to meet the person who thought to shop in the poking finger. Thats talent.

Reminiscent of something Terry Gilliam would do.

[gotchya]

I'm just wondering, If I was an alcoholic, could I sue LCBO?

[Punisher-One]

I'm just wondering, If I was an alcoholic, could I sue LCBO?

Yes.
You were powerless to stay away from the LCBO. Why isn't the government more responsible for the choices you make of your own free will? Someone other than you, who made the choice to buy the alcohol, must be responsible for your actions!

[SourSkittles]

I'm just wondering, If I was an alcoholic, could I sue LCBO?

Yes.
You were powerless to stay away from the LCBO. Why isn't the government more responsible for the choices you make of your own free will? Someone other than you, who made the choice to buy the alcohol, must be responsible for your actions!

, You should run for premier of Ontario.