Drunk Gambler Who Sued Casino Over $500K Loss Now a Wanted Fugitive

Submitted by Nagesh Rath on

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Nagesh Rath

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A man who sued the Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas after claiming they allowed him to lose $500,000 despite being noticeably drunk is now on the lam. 

Mark Johnston lost half a million dollars in casino credit in 2014 and has been fighting to get his money back ever since.

But Johnston was later charged with writing bad checks and failed to report to Court this past Thursday.

According to Court documents, Johnston arrived in Vegas ready to party.  He claims to have gotten drunk and blacked out, borrowed the $500,000 from the Grand Casino then proceeded to lose it all at the blackjack table.

"They served me all the drinks; they should have cut me off," Johnston said in past interviews.

Johnston’s attorney told the judge this week he wants to be done with his client.  Attorney Sean Lyttle claims he has not seen or spoken to Johnston in more than eight weeks.  His request to sever ties was denied.

“I'd like to have him have representation because there's an arrest warrant out there for him,” said Justice of the Peace Joseph Sciscento.

That same judge admitted he was wrong to have let Johnston free from jail on bail after the bad check writing incident.

“Court makes mistakes now and again,” he said.

Lyttle also advised the Court he is attempting to withdraw from Johnston’s civil case against the Downtown Grand.

- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com

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