Charges Stayed in Casino Rama Case as Burlington Man Pursues $3.5M Lawsuit

A Burlington resident who spent more than two years fighting a string of criminal charges tied to a clash at Casino Rama says his ordeal has left him physically scarred and financially drained.

Judge Halts Prosecution of Man Injured in Casino Rama Arrest

Daniel Dobson, 41, was arrested at the casino in December 2022 after an altercation with security and Rama Police. He was accused of assaulting officers, making threats, and resisting arrest. In total, eight counts were laid against him. Dobson has maintained from the beginning that the allegations were fabricated and that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack, reported local news outlet Barrie Today.

On April 7 this year, Justice A.M. Nichols of the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia halted the prosecution, ruling that the length of time it had taken to move the matter forward breached his Charter right to a timely trial.

Dobson said the decision brought some relief but did not erase what he described as a “nightmare.” He explained that he had spent roughly $25,000 preparing to defend himself against charges he insists were baseless. He claims he was tackled, restrained, and beaten while attempting to leave the casino quietly after being approached by security.

According to Dobson, the confrontation left him with concussions and ongoing injuries to his arm and wrist. He also alleges that officers pulled his sweatshirt over his face, shackled both his hands and feet, and transported him without a seatbelt in a manner that rendered him briefly unconscious. He said he was denied immediate medical care despite requesting it.

Burlington Man Pursues $3.5M Lawsuit After Casino Rama Arrest Dispute

Police documents accused Dobson of biting both an officer and a security guard during the scuffle. Dobson rejected those claims and said he retained an independent forensic dentist to challenge the evidence.

In 2024, Dobson filed a civil lawsuit for $3.5 million against Casino Rama, its parent company Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, the Rama Police Service, and several named officers and guards. The suit accuses them of negligence, excessive force, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. Casino Rama has filed a defence; Rama police have not yet responded.

Dobson also lodged a complaint against a Rama police constable, alleging abuse during his arrest and transport. That complaint was dismissed last year after the police chief concluded an internal review and found no misconduct. Dobson said he continues to struggle with daily pain and has called for accountability and an apology. He insists his goal is not only compensation but also to shed light on what he views as a failure of justice.