Gambling Debt and Bankruptcy
Some debtors considering bankruptcy have accrued a large amount of gambling debt. While generally speaking some gambling debts may be dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy , the discharge of that debt may depend on a few factors.
Factors That Impact Your Bankruptcy Discharge
Where You Incurred the Debt?
Nevada has a law that makes gambling debts fully enforceable and there have been bankruptcy cases where a debtor’s bankruptcy discharge has been successfully challenged by Nevada creditors who were owed gambling debts. However, it should not be assumed that this will be the case in every bankruptcy and a debtor who has incurred gambling debts in Nevada should discuss the matter with their bankruptcy attorney.
Intention to Repay the Debt When it Was Incurred
If a debtor went to a casino and charged up $10,000 worth of gambling debts to their credit card while being unemployed and filed bankruptcy a few months later it would probably be assumed that the debtor did not intend to repay the debt. In that case the debtor’s gambling debts would be deemed non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.
The Willingness of the Creditor to Object to the Debtor’s Bankruptcy Discharge
The discharge of certain gambling debts in bankruptcy will often be determined by a creditor’s willingness to object to the debtor’s discharge. If a gambling debt was incurred just before filing bankruptcy or was charged to a credit card the chance of the bankruptcy discharge being challenged by the creditor increases. Although a creditor challenging your discharge doesn’t guarantee that they will be successful in having your bankruptcy discharge denied.
Whether you believe your gambling debts will be discharged in bankruptcy or not, you are still obligated to disclose any gambling debts in your bankruptcy case. Failure to disclose gambling debts could result in the dismissal of your bankruptcy case.
Have Any Questions About Bankruptcy?
If you have any questions about bankruptcy we are always happy to help answer any questions. Simply call us or fill out our contact form to submit your questions or set up a free consultation.