Legendary singer Wayne Newton has taken Online Gaming Systems Ltd. (formerly Atlantic International Entertainment) to court for non-payment. The lawsuit alleges that the company hasn't handed over 225,000 shares to the singer in exchange for the use of a recording of his voice on their website.
Newton signed the deal in 1996 and was promised that the stock would be paid out over a three-year period.
According to Online Gaming Systems President Richard Iamunno, the company paid Newton 15,000 shares per a modified agreement. Iamunno said that the company signed the original agreement in 1996 when the company originally planned to operate an online casino licensed through Aruba.
After it became apparent that the casino wasn't going to happen, company officials switched focus. Newton provided a ten second voice-over for one OGS site, and according to Iamunno, a modified agreement was later reached between both parties.
Iamunno told IGN that he was disappointed to hear from a lawyer instead of Newton. He and other company officials had been--and remain--huge fans of Newton, a large reason for the company's seeking the relationship.
Iamunno said he's flying out to Las Vegas in a week or two and hopes to have the situation settled amicably. "Who knows, maybe we have some other work for Mr. Newton," he added.
Newton, a former owner of the Aladdin Hotel in Vegas, filed bankruptcy in 1991 claiming $20 million in debts. IGN was unable to reach Newton for comment as of press time.