Charles Barkley Pursued by Wynn Casino for $400,000 Debt

All they had to do is call and say, 'Hey, you owe us this money,'" he said.

Former NBA superstar Charles Barkley was informed that if he did not make good on a $400,000 debt to the Wynn Hotel and Casino, criminal charges would be filed against him in Clark County.

District Attorney David Roger said that Barkley needed to make restitution like anybody else, or else face the consequences. Barkley had apparently taken out four $100,000 markers from the hotel last October.

Barkley freely admitted the debt, and blamed himself for not having taken care of the situation sooner. He did mention that there had been no attempt on the casino's part to contact him before drawing up a civil complaint this week.

"All they had to do is call and say, 'Hey, you owe us this money,'" he said. 

Although the complaint alleged repeated demand for payment, hotel officials refused to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

Clark County law enforcement continues to do the dirty work for Las Vegas casinos, allowing them to extend credit to anyone they choose with the threat of criminal prosecution lurking to slow payers.

If Barkley had missed a mortgage or credit card payment, civil court would be the only avenue for his creditors to use; but Clark County knows who butters their bread, and they are happy to spend taxpayer dollars chasing a millionaire for the benefit of billionaires.

Barkley responded to questions about his gambling by asserting, "Do I have a gambling problem? Yeah, I do have a gambling problem. But I don't consider it a problem because I can afford to gamble."