A woman in New York, Katrina Bookman found herself facing disappointment after what initially seemed like a significant jackpot win. During her visit to the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York, in 2017, Bookman was to see $42,949,672 displayed on the slot machine screen. This windfall could have marked one of the largest slot machine jackpot wins in US history.
Bookman captured the moment with a selfie beside the screen as she won, reported The Times of India. However, her excitement was short-lived. Upon returning to the casino the following day, she was informed that the jackpot was a result of a machine malfunction. Instead of the millions she anticipated, the casino claimed her winnings amounted to just $2.25 (£1.77).
Resorts World Casino, cited a disclaimer that stated “malfunctions void all pays and plays,” stood firm on their decision to withhold the jackpot payout. To compensate for the incident, the casino offered Bookman a steak dinner. Dan Bank, a spokesperson for the casino, clarified that the machine malfunction was confirmed by the New York State Gaming Commission, and they offered to pay Bookman the correct amount shown on the printed ticket.
Disappointed by the casino’s explanation, Bookman pursued legal action with the assistance of her lawyer, Alan Ripka. The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of Resorts World Casino, accusing them of failing to properly maintain their lottery equipment. Additionally, it claimed that Bookman suffered distress due to the incident.
As reported in LAD Bible, Ripka criticized the casino’s defense, and labeled their excuses as “unreasonable.” He questioned whether the machine was adequately inspected and maintained, raising concerns about fairness for previous players. The lawsuit aimed to address these issues and receive appropriate compensation for Bookman’s trouble. Ripka told in an interview with CNN, “You can’t claim a machine is broken because you want it to be broken. Does that mean it wasn’t inspected? Does it mean it wasn’t maintained?”
Ultimately the case was settled out of court. This case acts as a caution about the complexities and potential downsides of casino gaming, highlighting the importance of vigilance and accountability in maintaining fair and transparent gaming environments.