Debtor's prison alive and well in Nevada

An interesting article in the LVRJ today about a guy sentenced (he wasn't actually sent to prison, he got probation, but they could have sent him away if they had wanted to) for not paying his casino markers. Apparently there is a Nevada statute that makes this a crime. This would seem to be unconstitutional and fly in the face of our common law tradition that makes gambling debts unenforceable. Even the prosecutor thinks the law stinks. Unfortunately, the law has been upheld by the 9th Circuit. I guess this is a good warning for any of us tempted to use markers. Here is the link:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-12-Wed-2003/news/20870166.html