Nebraska casino high-roller facing casino debt charges files civil lawsuit against Harrah’s

High-roller files civil suit against Harrah’s

LAS VEGAS — A Nebraska man facing felony charges stemming from almost $15 million in Las Vegas gambling debts is suing casino giant Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. for alleged breach of contract, conspiracy and negligence.

Terrance “Terry” Watanabe also filed a complaint Thursday with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He accuses Harrah’s of violating state gambling regulations, cheating him, and plying him with prescription drugs and alcohol while he bet and lost millions of dollars at roulette and slot machines.

Watanabe told the regulatory board he bet more than $825 million in 2007 at Harrah’s casinos.

He alleges in a civil complaint filed Thursday in Clark County District Court that Harrah’s manipulated him with a “secret intention” of siphoning off his wealth.

Watanabe is the former owner of Oriental Trading Co., base in Omaha, Neb.