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

Nebraska high-roller sues casino giant Harrah’s

LAS VEGAS — A Nebraska philanthropist facing felony charges stemming from almost $15 million in Las Vegas gambling debts is suing casino giant Harrah’s Entertainment 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 drugs and alcohol while he bet and lost millions at roulette and slot machines.

Watanabe tells 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 the “secret intention” of siphoning his wealth.

A spokesman for Harrah’s linked the two filings to the criminal case against Watanabe, and said the company wouldn’t comment on either case.