Mohegan Sun is actively seeking to block a jury trial in the ongoing Ron Meyer gambling case. The tribal casino aims to move its $22.5 million debt collection lawsuit to a bench trial. It argues that Meyer explicitly waived his right to a jury. This legal maneuver highlights a common strategy by casinos to enforce contractual agreements signed by patrons.
Mohegan Sun Pushes to Avoid a Jury Trial
In court filings, Mohegan Sun claims that Meyer knowingly signed documents waiving his right to a jury trial. These documents include a credit application and several gambling markers. The casino asserts that these waivers are standard and legally binding. They argue that Meyer, a sophisticated businessman, understood the terms he was agreeing to. This dispute centers on the validity and enforceability of these pre-signed agreements.
The casino issued Meyer $22.5 million in credit markers during 2022. They filed the lawsuit in New Jersey, Meyer’s home state, to recover these funds. Mohegan Sun maintains that a judge, not a jury, should decide the case. This approach is common in cases where clear contractual waivers exist.
The Basis of the Casino’s Argument
Mohegan Sun’s legal team points to specific clauses within the signed credit application. These clauses state that any dispute arising from the agreement would be settled without a jury. They emphasize Meyer’s professional background. He served as President and COO of Universal Studios and Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal. This experience, they contend, suggests a high level of contractual understanding.
The casino’s motion references past legal precedents. In one case, Harrah’s New Orleans successfully enforced a similar waiver against an attorney. The court found that the attorney had knowingly signed the waiver. This was despite claims that the debt was uncollectible. Mohegan Sun believes its case against Meyer is analogous, strengthening its position for a bench trial.
Meyer’s Counterclaim and the Legal Ramifications
Ron Meyer has not remained silent in this legal battle. He filed a counterclaim against Mohegan Sun. Meyer alleges that the casino’s actions were predatory. He argues that they exploited his gambling addiction. This counterclaim adds another layer of complexity to the dispute.
If Mohegan Sun succeeds in blocking a jury trial, the case will proceed before a judge. A bench trial could potentially streamline the proceedings. It would focus purely on legal interpretation. This includes the signed waivers and the debt’s validity. This outcome could also set an important precedent for future casino-debtor disputes. It would reinforce the enforceability of jury waiver clauses. This applies to gambling credit agreements across the industry.
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