The Consequences You Can Face If You Don’t Pay
A casino marker gives you the chance to win big. But what if lady luck is not on your side, and you aren’t able to pay it back? And what are the consequences you face if you don’t pay? We explain the potential consequences of defaulting on a casino marker and how an experienced lawyer can help.
Did you receive a line of credit at a Nevada casino and were unable to pay it back? Contact The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata. As a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with extensive experience representing clients in casino marker default cases, Mr. Ogata can help you resolve the matter, securing the best possible outcome. Call (702) 366-0891 to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Casino Marker?
In an effort to encourage you to continue gambling, Nevada casinos provide short-term, zero-interest lines of credit, known as “casino markers.” This convenient form of payment allows you to gamble without having to carry around large amounts of cash or pay expensive ATM fees to pull out funds. If the casino gives you a line of credit, you will be expected to pay the funds back in a specified amount of time, typically within 30 days.
Since a marker is a line of credit, you will need to fill out a credit application, which includes providing bank account information, and get approved by the establishment.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay It Back
If you fail to pay back the line of credit within the specified amount of time, the casino will make attempts to collect the debt.
They will first send you a letter requesting payment. Should you not comply, they will attempt to collect the money directly from the bank account you included on your credit application. If your bank account does not have sufficient funds to cover the debt, the casino will then send you a certified letter informing you that if you do not pay, they will file a formal complaint with the Clark County District Attorney.
The D.A. will send you yet another certified letter giving you a specified amount of time to pay the amount owed, which will now include court fees. If you don’t respond to the letter or pay the amount indicated, the District Attorney will put a warrant out for your arrest and file criminal charges against you.
What Charges Do You Face?
While the District Attorney will file criminal charges against you if you don’t pay, what those charges are will depend on the circumstances. However, the charges may include but are not limited to the following:
- Forgery
- Making false statements to obtain benefits
- Identity theft
- Passing a bad check
- Misrepresentation of assets
- Obtaining money under false pretenses
The Consequences of Defaulting on a Casino Marker
The penalties for failing to pay back the casino’s loan will depend on how the crime is charged and the circumstances surrounding those charges.
If you defaulted on multiple markers, each default is charged separately. For example, if you fail to pay back two markers, you will face two separate misdemeanor or felony charges. Convictions can result in the following penalties:
Misdemeanor Convictions
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Felony Convictions
- Up to 4 years in Nevada State Prison
- Restitution of the debt
- Up to $5,000 in fines
In addition to criminal charges, a casino can also bring a civil lawsuit against you for the money owed.
Call The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata to Learn More
Casino markers offer a great way to gamble if you don’t want to carry a large sum of cash or don’t have enough cash on hand. But if you fail to pay a marker back, you face harsh penalties. You must keep in mind that the situation will not just go away, even if you are from another state. That is why it is critical to hire an attorney to help you resolve the issue.
If you were given a line of credit by a casino but were unable to pay it back, contact The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata. We will explain your rights and options and develop a strategy to help you avoid stiff criminal penalties. Contact us online or call (702) 366-0891 to speak with a top criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas for FREE.
