Casino Responsible Gaming Decision Challenged by Gambler

But she refused, remaining inside until officials, concerned over her irresponsible gambling, were forced to call police.

A woman on a gambling binge at an Indiana casino was asked to leave after her behavior forced casino management to address her apparent gaming problem. But she refused, remaining inside until officials, concerned over her irresponsible gambling, were forced to call police.

Alexis Robinson was playing at the Majestic Star Casino, on the shore of Lake Michigan, not far from Chicago. She had been gambling continuously for almost three days when casino personnel, having repeatedly advised her to stop, finally told her she had to leave and could no longer gamble at their establishment.

Robinson was informed by a security guard that she would have to exit, and could return if she desired later that evening. But the Chicago woman "just stared at him," standing motionless, according to court documents.

Police arrested Robinson on charges of criminal trespass. When she told the judge she had been playing for over forty-eight hours, the judge said, "You have a gambling problem."

Legal cases have been brought against casinos for allowing problem gamblers to binge play, but the Robinson case illustrates the difficult position gaming management is put in. Self-excluded gamblers reconsider and try to force or sneak their way back inside casinos, and problem gamblers insist on their right to play, until after the fact.

Robinson's bail was set by Gary City Court Judge Rivera at $300. She then asked the judge if she could leave and return with the bail money, saying she had to go check on her ill child. The judge reacted skeptically, noting Robinson had had no sick baby with her.