High stakes problem gambler Harry Kakavas was lent $US1 million by a Bahamian casino despite knowing he owed $US5 million to casinos in Las Vegas, a court has heard.
An internet search showing Kakavas had sold his home on the Gold Coast's Hedges Avenue for a record $18 million, allayed any fears management at Atlantis Paradise Island Casino had about his finances, the Victorian Supreme Court was told.
It was decided Kakavas should be allowed a $US1 million line of credit when he visited the casino during his November 2006 honeymoon in The Bahamas.
In a four hour $US1.6 million gambling spree at Paradise Island Casino's baccarat table, Kakavas blew the credit and more than $US600,000 of his own money.
The casino is suing Kakavas, hoping to recoup the $US1 million and $US13,300 in commissions.
Lawyers for Kakavas argue the casino took advantage of his gambling "disability".
They also argue the agreement under which Kakavas was lent the money is unenforceable.
The action comes as Kakavas awaits a decision in a separate proceeding in the same court where he is suing Melbourne's Crown Casino for allegedly allowing him to gamble despite knowing he was a pathological gambler.
Kakavas lost $30 million during a $1.5 billion gambling spree playing baccarat between June 2005 and August 2006.
The court heard on Monday that Kakavas spent an average of $43,500 per hand during his four days gambling at The Bahamas casino.
But casino management did not think Kakavas was a problem gambler, the court heard.
Richard Waters, a senior vice president of casino operations and marketing, said Kakavas' gambling patterns were no different to any other high roller.
"Problem gambling on a one trip situation is very difficult to interpret," he told the court via videolink from The Bahamas.
"He is playing like a lot of other players play. It would not be unusual to the supervisor."
Mr Waters said a credit check was conducted on Kakavas a few days before he arrived in The Bahamas, even though Kakavas had said he wasn't interested in gambling on his honeymoon.
It showed he owed money to several Las Vegas casinos.
But Mr Waters said the debts were less than 90 days old, the time given to high rollers to re-pay their lines of credit.
The check also showed he had paid back $US4.5 million to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, he said.
The trial before Justice Jennifer Davies continues on Tuesday.
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