Law Reporter: Casino expels patron who picked up coin from unattended slot machine: False arrest: Fa

INTENTIONAL TORTS

Romanski v. Detroit Entm't, U.S. Dist. Ct., E.D. Mich., No. 02-CV-73358, july 22, 2003.

Romanski, 72, visited a casino with a group of senior citizens. She picked up a nickel from an unattended slot machine, intending to gamble it. Casino security personnel apprehended Romanski and questioned and photographed her. They then seized her $9 meal voucher and expelled her from the casino. She suffered humiliation and emotional distress.

Romanski sued the casino, alleging violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, false arrest, arid false imprisonment, among other claims. Defendant argued that gambling with coins found at unattended slot machines-known as slot walking-is generally forbidden in casinos. Plaintiff countered that defendant had posted no prohibition on slot walking. In addition, plaintiff argued that under state law one who finds lost property has a superior claim to it than the owner of the real property where it is found.

A jury awarded $279.05 in general damages, including reimbursement for the meal voucher and the nickel. The jury also awarded $875,000 in punitive damages.

Plaintiff's Counsel

Neil H. Fink, Birmingham, Mich.

David McNcill, Birmingham, Mich.