Casino Accused of Plying Patrons with Drinks, Oh Boy!
A Canadian casino is being charged with violating provincial liquor laws, using alcohol to encourage gambling customers to play recklessly. The Montreal Gazette reports that Casino Lac Leamy, as well as local bars containing gambling machines, is accused of breaking licensing requirements by overserving drunk customers.
Kent Glowinski, an Ottawa Lawyer, says he's observed numerous incidents which deserve the attention of alcohol regulators in the province of Quebec. He alleges that the casino and other establishments with slots try to keep customers gambling by serving them past the point of intoxication.
When asked about Glowinski's complaint, Robert Desormeaux, a regular at Casino Lac Leamy, said, "Tell him to go back to Ottawa. We love this casino the way it is, and drinking is a big part of having fun there."
Officials for both the casino and the Quebec government refused to comment on the allegations. Casinos around the world use free drinks as a method to draw players, and of course hope that players might find themselves not at the top of their game when gambling. Casino patrons are well aware of the policy, and many enjoy accepting the operators' challenge to indulge in free liquor.
Glowinski implied that the casino might be receiving preferential treatment by government representatives because of revenues generated there. Asked about that possibility, Montreal resident James LaFarve stated, "Maybe the bars should be as loose as the casino. It's all about having fun, and we don't need lawyers to tell us how to enjoy ourselves."
