An August 2021 trial has been set for Davell A. Golding’s lawsuit against Dover Downs Casino and the state of Delaware over the casino sportsbook’s over payment on Golding’s winning sports bet. According to March court filings, Golding claims his “civil rights and common law rights” were violated when he briefly was charged with felony theft after the casino gave him $2,164.65 instead of $365.15 on a $20 Major League Baseball parlay wager made in 2018. The ticket indicated the correct winning amount. Court papers show Golding also was banned for life from Dover Downs.
The day he cashed the ticket, state police notified Golding about the payment error and said he would have to return the money in a “timely manner” or face a charge of felony theft. Less than two weeks later, a warrant was issued for his arrest. While visiting Dover Downs, Golding was arrested and charged with felony theft. His attorney alleged false arrest and false imprisonment.
The pending criminal case was dismissed, but Golding’s attorney said he never should have been charged with a crime. The attorney said taking an over payment is not theft.
Golding is seeking compensatory and punitive damages plus removal of the criminal record and the lifetime casino ban.
