Joe Francis Alleges Steve Wynn Used Hookers as Gambling Ploy
Joe Francis, the king of the "Girls Gone Wild" soft-porn empire, is fighting Wynn Resorts' attempts to collect on a $2 million debt. Francis, who previously denied owing the casino for markers given, has filed court papers alleging that Steve Wynn personally used a variety of shady methods, including providing hookers, to entice Francis into gambling beyond his intentions.
In addition, Francis claimed that officials at Wynn Las Vegas "intentionally miscalculate markers" and forge patrons' signatures to run up gambling debts. He said the system was organized to the point that surveillance records of gamblers was deliberately destroyed to lose evidence that may support customers in disputes, and computer records are altered.
Wynn responded immediately by filing a suit against Francid for defamation of character. Wynn's attorneys asserted that Francis was knowingly making false claims that put Wynn in disrepute, and that Francis had "a reckless disregard for the truth."
Among other accusations, Francis says that the casino promised to limit his losses to $200,000, cutting off his ability to draw markers after that. He supposedly was guaranteed his selection of dealer, and a private table at which to play. But, claims the troubled video merchant, once he started winning, the house changed dealers and performed shuffles out of sight, with a machine hidden under the table.
Francis maintains that when he tried to figure his losses, Wynn regaled him with wine from the casino giant's private cellar, and had prostitutes distract him.
Francis has been in legal difficulties of one kind or another for over a year. He is awaiting trial on tax evasion charges, and he earlier this year pled no contest to Florida accusations of prostitution and felony child abuse.
Francis' attorney stated he hoped state gaming regulators would take note and conduct their own investigation. One Wynn customer who wished to remain anonymous said, "I gamble at Wynn's place all the time, and I haven't had them send me one call girl yet. Where do I go to complain?"
