Gambler gets new lawyer in Vegas debt case

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A new attorney has taken over the defense of a high-rolling gambler facing criminal charges for his unpaid Las Vegas casino tab, court records show.

Terrance Watanabe recently replaced his Las Vegas defense team with high-profile Los Angeles lawyer Pierce O'Donnell, who was the lead counsel in a suit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the flooding of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Wednesday the move came just a month before a hearing on a motion to dismiss the charges against Watanabe over his outstanding $14.7 million debt.

The Nebraska philanthropist's previous counsel planned to argue he should not be responsible for the debt because employees of two Harrah's casinos kept him in a constant state of intoxication.

The Review-Journal said the hearing would likely be postponed.