Compulsive Gambler Chases $20M Long-Shot Lawsuit against Casinos

By | March 10, 2008

  • March 10, 2008 at 9:04 am
    CC says:
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    Here’s yet another frivolous lawsuit filed on behalf of an idiot. As an attorney, Ms. Taveras has obviously forgotten the concept of personal responsibility. Her luck ran out and now she expects someone else to bail her out. If her losses were only $1M, where does the $20M come in? Maybe we would all be better off if she’d swerved in front of that truck.

  • March 10, 2008 at 9:26 am
    dk says:
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    This is ridiculous. How about instead of them needing to realize when you need taken care of, you be the adult you are and take care of yourself!

    Sounds like she’s filing to get those lost future wages because she became a dirtbag attorney (oxymoron?) and took her clients money.

  • March 10, 2008 at 10:04 am
    One who knows says:
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    Obviously she isn’t going to G.A. meetings,or she’d be taking the responsibility, not suing.

    So if she wins this law suit it’s right back to the tables. How long for her to blow 20MM? A dead gambler is a cured compulsive gambler.

    Any G.A. member will tell you this.

  • March 10, 2008 at 10:18 am
    Anonymous says:
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    per insured vehicle will be about $35. Dividend payments will begin in early April and will continue throughout the year. Policyholders can expect to receive their dividend near the time of their policy renewal. Most customers will receive their dividend by check. The dividend for policyholders receiving less than $15 will be credited to their State Farm renewal premium.

    2007 State Farm Mutual Policyholder Dividend*

    Percent of prior term
    Semi-Annual Premium Total Dividend Amount

    Alabama 8.3 percent $21.6 million
    Alaska 5.3 $2.3 million
    Arizona 20.3 $50.8 million
    Arkansas 10.2 $15.2 million
    California 15.0 $195.2 million
    Colorado 7.0 $19.1 million
    Connecticut 10.7 $3.3 million
    Dist. Columbia 3.0 $0.6 million
    Florida 2.0 $25.2 million
    Georgia 11.2 $61.8 million
    Hawaii 25.0 $13.0 million
    Idaho 16.5 $7.7 million
    Illinois 7.5 $59.8 million
    Indiana 14.4% $41.9 million
    Iowa 21.8% $25.4 million
    Kansas 15.1 $19.8 million
    Kentucky 10.4 $19.6 million
    Maine 15.7 $5.6 million
    Maryland 4.0 $12.7 million
    Massachusetts 25.0 $2.2 million
    Michigan 3.4 $18.8 million
    Minnesota 25.0 $72.0 million
    Missouri 7.3 $21.8 million
    Montana 23.7 $11.9 million
    Nebraska 16.1 $15.8 million
    Nevada 13.1 $13.7 million
    New Hampshire 10.9 $4.8 million
    New Mexico 13.7 $13.0 million
    New York 17.6 $79.7 million
    North Carolina 14.5 $38.0 million
    North Dakota 22.8 $5.2 million
    Ohio 12.6 $57.9 million
    Oklahoma 12.5 $21.4 million
    Oregon 15.1 $25.8 million
    Pennsylvania 4.4 $27.1 million
    Rhode Island 3.7 $0.1 million
    South Carolina 17.9 $45.3 million
    South Dakota 14.9 $4.7 million
    Tennessee 4.1 $12.6 million
    Texas** 7.9 $91.0 million
    Utah 10.9 $10.0 million
    Vermont 13.4 $1.8 million
    Virginia 5.2 $15.8 million
    Washington 4.0 $9.9 million
    West Virginia 2.0 $2.8 million
    Wisconsin 12.0 $16.6 million
    Wyoming 20.5 $6.4 million
    New Brunswick 25.0 $3.1 million

    * The following jurisdictions will not receive a dividend: Delaware,
    Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey (New Jersey policyholders insured by State Farm Indemnity received $130 million in dividends in
    December 2006), Alberta and Ontario. Residual market policies are also excluded.
    ** Texas dividends are subject to approval by the state Department of
    Insurance.

    Source: State Farm Insurance Cos

  • March 10, 2008 at 12:42 pm
    Stat Guy says:
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    They say that anyone who represents themselves has an idiot for an attorney, which compounds this insanity: her gambling is someone else’s fault, her stealing from clients is someone else’s fault and as her own attorney, she’s looking for someone else to pay for it all! I can’t believe the judge allowed her to file or refile. But one thing is for sure, if this gets tossed, it better be with prejudice to preclude any further attempts to sue for this, this, this….what TORT? It just makes no sense at all. And I agree with the comments about G.A., as most self-help groups emphasize that taking responsibility and accountability for one’s actions is the first step on the road to recovery….clearly she needs to get to that point before she can get “better”….

  • March 10, 2008 at 12:44 pm
    Safety Guy says:
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    I bet she loses.

  • March 10, 2008 at 12:51 pm
    Mn says:
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    I live in Minnesota and hope this crazy b*tch doesn’t swerve into my car. Can taxpayers counter-sue her for wasting tax revenue?

  • March 10, 2008 at 12:56 pm
    Dread says:
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    “….ambitious LAWYER and T.V. commentator”? Sounds like an arrogant loser who has nothing but disdain for the legal system. Here’s a little more background information:

    “Two attorneys have been charged by the Queens New York District Attorney’s office for stealing clients money from their respective escrow accounts by keeping money that was supposed to be returned to the clients.

    Both attorneys are now disbarred and are facing criminal charges.

    They have been identified as Arelia Taveras, 46 who now lives in Bloomington, Minnesota and Mark Jacobs, 58, of Glen Head, New York.
    In the case of Taveras, she is accused of stealing a total of $99,142 from four different clients. She faces 3 counts of third-degree grand larceny as well as second-degree forgery, a charge of submitting a false document for filing in the first degree and last but not least scheming to defraud.”

    This woman is needs to be sent back to her native land for violating her oath of office and filing such a frivolous suit.

  • March 10, 2008 at 12:56 pm
    Da Gambler says:
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    I’ll take that bet.

    Sad that no body ever takes responsibility for their own actions.

    By the way how much is the bet?

  • March 10, 2008 at 1:02 am
    Puzzled says:
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    What is her native land? New York?

  • March 10, 2008 at 1:03 am
    Mr. Obvious says:
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    Legalized gambling is merely a tax on those with little self control and no math skills.

    Too bad this woman was their queen!

  • March 10, 2008 at 1:26 am
    Ray says:
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    Can I guess her native land? “Arelia Margarita Tavares”…… Mexico? She came to the “land of opportunity”, got a law degree, tried her hand at T.V., failed at both, and now wants American business to pay her for being an _sshole. She obviously isn’t much of a gambler either. Three strikes for this loser…..somebody needs to call her “out”.

  • March 10, 2008 at 1:52 am
    Dustin says:
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    to bring in immigration to a case about gambling! It doesn’t matter. Ignorance knows no race or country. It is everywhere! If I was a betting man…I would say she loses. We also don’t know what USA isn’t her “native” land. Unless the article said something I missed.

  • March 10, 2008 at 1:58 am
    Get the facts, maybe? says:
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    or do you have facts to support your allegations? Just don’t like them furrin’ soundin’ names, eh?

    As they no doubt said in NJ on many occasions to the subject of the story, “put up or shut up.”

    And if she is from outside the US and its territories, you have done a good job revealing yourselves as racists anyway. Gee, I’ve never heard of a crooked attorney who was born in the USA!

    Crawl back in your little prejudiced hidey-holes….keep the robes at home…the Klan is not welcome on IJ.

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:01 am
    dan mckenna says:
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    If I have been diagnosed with a split personality, can I sue my alter-ego?

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:03 am
    Dustin says:
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    Only if he/she is a compulsive gambler and loses all your money.

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:04 am
    The Brave One says:
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    Thanks for that comment. Someone needs to call things out. Gambling addiction is not a joke and what has nationality to do with it? Please people stick to the facts or whatever the IJ has posted. Obviously, if she was illegal that information would be known. I think it’s asked on college apps, isn’t it, by the employer, maybe? Jeez, people get a doggone clue!!!

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:06 am
    dustin's boss says:
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    went off. That means you’re goofing off on Insurance Journal again. Get back to work.

    Per aspera, ad astra!

    Da Man

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:22 am
    Are u serious says:
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    Um yeah, I am trying to figure out where the “native land” comment fits into this but I digress…….. If she drove from NY to NJ with $$ in her pocket with the intent to gamble, that is on her. Also no one else should be held responsible for her unethical actions. Yes, gambling is an addiction but reading the article it seems that she was well aware of what she was doing. Judge please throw this out and stop wasting taxpayer money!!!!!!

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:50 am
    gb says:
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    Ahh, a Dave Ramsey man I presume?

  • March 10, 2008 at 2:53 am
    Ray says:
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    It was merely a factual, objective observation based on her name. It wasn’t meant to be racist. She obviously isn’t Italian, Irish, Hungarian, Slovak, Russian, Canadian, German, Muslim, African, or French. Calling it what it is obviously ruffled some feathers. Too bad the last two hispanics to make the press (former attorney general Gonzales and now Margarita)were from south of the border.

  • March 10, 2008 at 3:01 am
    Nobody Important says:
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    Her race or place of origin have nothing to do with the stupidity of this lawsuit. Your comments sound racist to me and they have no place in this posting. Stick to the facts, they are rediculous enough without bringing in extraneous arguements.

  • March 10, 2008 at 3:03 am
    Dave says:
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    Why does everyone who gets into a jam because of the lack of good judgment, self-control, and common sense always look to blame something or someone else? I’m a compulsive gambler, drinker, drug addict, speeder, sex addict, eater. This was an ostensibly educated person who knew how and where to seek help IF she wanted it. Compulsive or not, she did it, and continued to do it. Now she tries to escape responsibility by using the law to excuse her conduct

  • March 10, 2008 at 3:25 am
    Dwight Schrute says:
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    I don’t know about anyone else but I’m just shocked that her suicidal thoughts involve swerving into oncoming traffic… as if all other cars were occupied by crash test dummies. Should she be charged with a crime for pre-meditating murder of another driver? Be careful out there Mn… hopefully she doesn’t hit a mini-van full of innocent children so that she can selfishly avoid her consequences. Also, think of the poor person to “accidentally kill” her, never knowing her intentions were to die.

  • March 10, 2008 at 3:36 am
    Fighting Saints says:
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    I have to agree Ray and Dread certainly sound racist. The lady in question could have been in the U.S., since we don’t know for sure, any comments made about her “native land” are ignorant at best and racist at worst. I am 3rd generation born in the U.S. My last name is and sounds very German so should I be sent to Germany if I get into legal trouble?

    Sad to see comments like these out in public.

  • March 10, 2008 at 3:42 am
    IZWIDESHUT says:
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    Ex-attorney to file new lawsuit against Satan using the “devil made me do it” defense. Satan plans counter-suit.

  • March 10, 2008 at 3:43 am
    Dick says:
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    So she made 500,000 a year? For how long? If she only lost 1 mill she should have some money left over.

    Plus, she said she didnt eat or sleep for days, isnt that technically not humanly possible?

    I think shes lying.

  • March 10, 2008 at 4:02 am
    lastbat says:
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    You can go for a week or more without food (only 3 days without water) and I’ve stayed up for four or five days straight before. It’s possible, just not recommended.

    The case should be tossed. She didn’t have to gamble. She could have stayed home at any time. I don’t buy the “my addiction made me do it” defense. It’s a lack of willpower and people need to take responsibility for their actions. I hope the casinos recover court costs from her.

  • March 10, 2008 at 4:26 am
    KLS says:
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    Lest they get any bright ideas about suing their families for not curing them of their addictions. After all, the families most certainly witnessed all the signs of their problem… The families have a duty to care for their adult relatives, right? If she wins her case, we can expect to see some of this, I bet a ten dollar bill on it.

    With all my fingers and toes crossed, I hope this case is thrown out. It is a waste of time, money, and resources better used for another matter. Should a judge allow this to proceed, it will only snowball into case law and set a precedent by which future losers will steal via the court system.

    If she wants to off herself, I hope she thinks of a better option… One that doesn’t involve endangering other people.

    Truly, truly pathetic.

    Now for some attorney humor…

    A fence bordering both Heaven and Hell was in need of repair. Hell sent Heaven a memo, stating: “Based on our extensive legal counsel, we conclude that repair of the fence is entirely Heaven’s responsibility. Heaven sent a memo back, “Having no access to legal counsel, we accept responsibility.”

  • March 10, 2008 at 4:42 am
    lastbat says:
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    HAHAHAHA!!!!

    That’s fantastic!

  • March 10, 2008 at 5:00 am
    Brokette says:
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    Clearly, she fits the addictive profile via her self-centeredness. It appears she liked being in the limelight and getting all the high-roller perks. Too bad she started believing her own press on that score. She doesn’t even SEE oncoming traffic as other human beings. How self-centered are you when that’s your perspective?

    Maybe she should try yoga the next time she’s stressed out.

  • March 10, 2008 at 5:19 am
    Patriot says:
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    once an attorney, always trying to screw the other guy.. Geezzz. I hope she goes to jail and no bail..

  • March 11, 2008 at 7:42 am
    Nobody Important says:
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    No Name, at least make an attempt to post your usual nonsense in the right area.

  • March 11, 2008 at 9:51 am
    caffiend says:
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    All it takes is a sympathetic jury….

  • March 11, 2008 at 10:06 am
    Sherinsure says:
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    This,too,is what stuck out to me from the article. “Swerve into oncoming traffic..”

    If she threatened to get a gun shoot up the casino and then herself, would that
    be taken more seriously?

    Gee! This is just plain ridiculous. What’s next? Politicians suing the electoral college because they wasted
    all of the citizens tax money.

  • March 11, 2008 at 11:24 am
    Anonymous says:
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    I can not believe your comment. Don’t you get the whole point to this? Insurance companies are illegally cancelling policies. Please go to Mississippi and talk to people on the coast about how fair insurance companies are. You are not from here and do not live here because if you did then your homeowners policy would have doubled in price if not more. That is not fair at all I am in business and wish I could just decide to double my prices and tell my customers pay up or too bad. I can not I would be out of business. All these insurace companies talk to each other and decide to just stick it to everyone here. And don’t give me the they need to make a profit too because in the past years when we had horrible natural disasters these companies have still shown large profits and no losses. How is this possible that the worst natural disaster in History happens and they are still able to make a profit and you think it is alright that they are doing this.

    Posted by asda on 03/05/08 • Report Abuse
    Regarding the Alabama Insurance topic with Allstate: We had our mobilehome insurance cancelled by Allstate in Feb. 2008 because we live south of I-10 which was the boundary I understand for Allstate to use to cut policy holders in Baldwin County if they didn’t have auto or life insurance with them also. Their auto insurance was too high and so was life insurance since we are retired. We and many others I’m sure were forced to either do without coverage or go with another mobilehome insurance company for more premium and lower coverage just to have “something” if we had a loss. If we get reinstated by Allstate and cancel the new policy we just got, it will still cost us for the time the new policy was in force and we will be penalized by them for cancelling mid-term. Allstate needs to “make things right” with their previous “loyal customers.”

    Posted by Sandra on 03/05/08 • Report Abuse
    So let met get this straight, in our free market economy, you want the government to force a company to sell you a product at a specific price? Seems to me that you all are bent out shape because you were getting a steal of a deal and now you want the government to help you keep your below market price. If this wasn’t the case, I imagine you would obtain insurance from another company and move along.

    Heaven help us if Obama is elected We’ll probably get a lot more of this government is here to solve the country’s problems policies.

    Posted by skip149 on 03/05/08 • Report Abuse
    Just this morning I emailed all of the posted comments from the initial story to not only Walter Bell Insurance Commisioner, but to all of our Alabama Senate Members. If there are any Lawyers listening. We are interested in a Class Action Suit. NOW! If something is not done SOON, many people will loose their homes! Allstate needs to reinstate coverage to us at same rate.

    Posted by bell on 03/04/08 • Report Abuse
    Regarding the Alabama Insurance Bill: My husband and I were dropped by Allstate which forced us to buy at a higher rate. Allstate needs to be made to reinstate us, along with everyoneelse they dropped, at the same policy and policy rate we had when we were dropped. This increase is a strain on all of the people. We need a class action suit also for the money it has cost us and the pain and suffering, as many people were forced to sell their homes. Jean & Norm Reinoehl,19160 James Road, Gulf Shores, Al. 36542

    Posted by magnolia on 03/04/08 • Report Abuse
    The commissioner played right into their hands. Allstate knew that this was a illegal. It was nothing but a ploy to raise rates by reinstating homes at the current rate. If the commissioner was any good, he would demand that Allstate renew the policies at the same rate when they sent out letters of non-renewal.

    Anthony, call Gene Taylor’s office or Jim Hood’s office. Be sure you reference what is happeneing in Alabama.

    Posted by Lindie on 03/04/08 • Report Abuse
    I would like to know why the Attorney General is not getting involed and either fining the Insurance company or bringing charges against them. They should have some consequences for these illegal activities or else they will continue to do this and worst.

    Posted by asda on 03/04/08 • Report Abuse
    I was excited to hear that the Alabama Insurance Commissioner is doing something about the illegal practice of insurance companies. I am a Mississippi resident and we are dealing with the same issues. I called my insurance company, Allstate, a while back and informed them I was going to drop my auto policy because I found some for the same coverage but cheaper. I was informed that if I did, my wind coverage would be dropped from my homeowner’s policy. I do not think it is right and it is the same thing that Alabamians were dealing with. Any follow up would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    about the right area. To me if you read it it,s the right area mr Nobody Important

    .

  • March 11, 2008 at 11:27 am
    Dustin says:
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    Pretty bold statement. I am sure there have been worse. I don’t really feel like thinking about this, but it won’t matter. Your sheer ignorance will blind you to any insight I can provide. I probably shouldn’t have wasted my time writing this….

  • March 11, 2008 at 11:36 am
    Nobody Important says:
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    No Name, you moron, your personal problems have nothing to do with this article. You have a hate thing going against your insurance company that has nothing to do with anything regarding most of the articles you post to. Complain to the insurance commissioner, file a lawsuit, get mental help or something, just try to make some connection to the actual issue in the article.

  • March 11, 2008 at 12:40 pm
    Left Field says:
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    Perhaps these posts were meant for another article? This one is about a woman suing a casino… I’m not sure if it qualifies for a natural disaster. But I’m guessing it doesn’t.

  • March 11, 2008 at 1:25 am
    Mary B. says:
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    Sorry KLS but a crack head did read this, it’s No Name with his crackhead postings. LOVE the joke, thanks for the smile and laugh. The lawsuit is a joke and it just has to be dismissed.

  • March 11, 2008 at 3:25 am
    Fred Hilpert says:
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    I understand people and places that serve alcohol and then let those “drunks” leave to drive home have been found liable for injury caused by the “drunk” to including injuries to the “drunk”.

    Why not apply the same standard to casinos?

  • March 11, 2008 at 5:23 am
    Dz says:
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    Because anyone would use that as a free ticket to sue and get back their money. Is that even gambling if you know you can’t lose?

  • March 30, 2008 at 9:16 am
    nakita says:
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    I went to school with this woman in OUR LADY OF SORROW in Corona,Queens. It funny that life turns out this way and I feel sorry for her. Comes to show Don’t spit up cause you never know who it lands on..It doesn’t suprise me she comes from a long line of Tavares’s Their family is well know in Corona. Her origin is Dominican. Born in NYC, but Dominican Family. Her father a respectful business owner. As for her YOUR NOT A GANGSTA YOUR A FAKE…. YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS 99,41 AVE

  • April 15, 2008 at 7:18 am
    rosa fernandez says:
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    I read the article in the newspaper and she wasn’t from Mexico, she was a daughter of Dominican immigrants.



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