New Jersey’s Thom-Mathew Kho admits he is an advantage gambler and says he doesn’t break any laws, but the Hard Rock Hotel did when he refused to show his ID.
In a Clark County complaint, Kho says he was counting cards while playing blackjack on Aug. 22-23 when he noticed casino staff watching him. He tried to leave but says casino staff refused to cash his chips without showing his ID, and casino security demanded he show his ID before leaving the casino.
Kho says the casino wanted his ID to ban him from the casino and enter his name and likeness into a system shared among other casinos that likewise would refuse him entry.
When he refused to turn over his ID, Kho says Hard Rock security staff refused to let him leave, handcuffed him on the casino floor in view of other patrons, removed his ID, and made a copy of it.
The casino eventually let him leave, but it “stole” his $3,625 in chips, Kho says.
Kho seeks damages from the Hard Rock for assault and battery.
Another bettor in Reno did not fare better with the Siena Hotel, which Rahne Pistor in a federal lawsuit claims enticed him with an offer of a free three-night stay and $600 in free slot play in August 2014.
When he tried to check in, Pistor says hotel security demanded to see his identification and attacked, handcuffed, and detained Pistor in a room when he refused and tried to leave.
Pistor seeks damages from the Siena Hotel for defamation, false imprisonment, and battery.
