Rorrer v. P.J. Club, Inc.

HOWARD, J.:

Robert Rorrer brought this action pursuant to South Carolina Code Annotated Section 32-1-20 1 to recover the excessive gambling losses sustained by his wife while playing video poker at a nightclub called Jamaica Joe’s. A jury awarded Rorrer $21,320, which the trial court trebled in accordance with the statute. 2 On appeal, Jamaica Joe’s raises the following two arguments: (1) the trial court erred in failing to grant its motions for a directed verdict and a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV); and (2) damages under section 32-1-20 are punitive in nature, and the trial…