Woman says Atlantic City casino refuses to pay 7-figure jackpot - Think they'll get away with this?

[LuvOrlando]

Think they'll get away with this?

https://6abc.com/post/woman-says-ba...-jackpot--action-news-investigation/14827493/

 

[NYCgrrl]

Unless NJ law differs from LA, this will probably be left for the court to decide.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Unless NJ law differs from LA, this will probably be left for the court to decide.

Maybe, but why in the courts?

If she won she won, it seems deeply disturbing that a WIN is a default assumption of a glitch isn't it? If winning is a thing then why not her and why not then? Either people can win or they can't, assuming a win is a glitch doesn't really point to the idea it is on the up and up. I feel so bad for her

 

[sam_gordon]

Maybe, but why in the courts?

If she won she won, it seems deeply disturbing that a WIN is a default assumption of a glitch isn't it? If winning is a thing then why not her and why not then? Either people can win or they can't, assuming a win is a glitch doesn't really point to the idea it is on the up and up. I feel so bad for her

I'm assuming a player's word isn't the end all be all. If the video doesn't show her doing something "illegal", AND shows a winning display, yes, she should get the money. I'm guessing it will have to go through the court system.

 

[MIChessGuy]

The machines are all labeled something like "Malfunction voids all pays and plays." This looks like tough luck.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Maybe, but why in the courts?

If she won she won, it seems deeply disturbing that a WIN is a default assumption of a glitch isn't it? If winning is a thing then why not her and why not then? Either people can win or they can't, assuming a win is a glitch doesn't really point to the idea it is on the up and up. I feel so bad for her

I’ve no idea about the..algorithms of any type of gambling so guess it could wind up in court

 

[WEDWDW]

Looks like she will eventually get the money since there is precedent with the previous case.

 

[sam_gordon]

Looks like she will eventually get the money since there is precedent with the previous case.

That's my guess. I hope she (or other patron) got video on their phones, especially once whoever opened up the box.

 

[LuvOrlando]

The machines are all labeled something like "Malfunction voids all pays and plays." This looks like tough luck.

Thing is though how do they determine it was a malfunction in that moment if witnesses all say it was legit and the employee tampered with it?

Can any casino just refuse to pay if an employee interferes? That is the strange thing, plus aren't casinos all covered with cameras so wouldn't the whole thing be on tape? Also, why wouldn't the casino release the video to prove it was a malfunction esp so close to Memorial Day weekend tourists?

 

[_19disnA]

Every casino I have even been to has a notice prominently displayed on slot machines indicating any machine malfunction voids the win. Those gigantic jackpots typically also indicate the payout is subject to verification. Obviously, the lawyer is trying to come up with some legal defense strategy. A slot technician opening the machine to check something or look for error codes is part of normal operations. Technicians can often see things internally that aren't viewable by the person playing that machine.

I have had times when the machine appears to freeze up and then all of the reels will slowly revolve while it is resetting. If it resets incorrectly on a 'jackpot', I wouldn't expect to get paid for that. When you do win a 'hand pay' jackpot, the machine will automatically signal the casino control room for assistance. Someone from the casino will appear with no further action required of you.

 

[amcnj]

I assume it’s all the behind the scenes software that is saying it wasn’t a win. Now why that disagrees with what the wheels show, I can’t tell you. I hope she took lots of pictures of the win, as well as the win table for that machine, showing what has to happen to win the jackpot. Though if they did have the machine impounded, the win tables will be available.

I hope the other player near her who said she won was correct. I wouldn’t know what winning a big jackpot looks like!

 

[LuvOrlando]

But why believe it is a malfunction if someone tampered with it? That tampering is very sketch

Whats to prevent every win from being followed by a "glitch" so it doesn't count?

Whats to prevent every win from being followed by a handsy employee whose job it is to mess things up?

If it is so simple to erase a win then...

 

[Praying Colonel]

Maybe, but why in the courts?

If she won she won, it seems deeply disturbing that a WIN is a default assumption of a glitch isn't it? If winning is a thing then why not her and why not then? Either people can win or they can't, assuming a win is a glitch doesn't really point to the idea it is on the up and up. I feel so bad for her

The bolded is the issue. Did she win or did the machine malfunction? That's a disputed issue of fact and what courts are there to resolve.
If the finder of fact decides it was a malfunction, you look at what state law says in that situation.

 

[LuvOrlando]

How is it decided if someone starts tinkering with the device?

 

[cabanafrau]

Sounds like the only way it's destined for resolution at this point is in court. Interesting that in the previous case the game manufacturer wound up paying out, not the casino.

 

[RedAngie]

Someone hits a million dollar jackpot every month or so and the casinos pay out without issue. The publicity of having a huge winner is a great marketing tool.


Something in their software indicated it wasn’t a valid win. It’s not like they’re intentionally screwing this woman over.

I suppose she can sue but I’m not sure how a lawsuit will fare.

 

[focusondisney]

Sounds like the only way it's destined for resolution at this point is in court. Interesting that in the previous case the game manufacturer wound up paying out, not the casino.

From the link:

“Bally's Casino had no comment and said it only houses the machine and referred us to IGT.”

Sounds like the casinos do not buy the machines, but rather have an arrangement with IGT to operate machines in their space. They probably split profits. If the casino does not own the machines & is not responsible for maintenance, they’re probably not responsible for malfunctions either.

 

[LuvOrlando]

From the link:

“Bally's Casino had no comment and said it only houses the machine and referred us to IGT.”

Sounds like the casinos do not buy the machines, but rather have an arrangement with IGT to operate machines in their space. They probably split profits. If the casino does not own the machines & is not responsible for maintenance, they’re probably not responsible for malfunctions either.

When I read this I wondered if the fact that one of their employees tinkered with the machine might disrupt the smooth flow of liability. How can you say you have nothing to do with it if someone on your payroll has the ability to disrupt and intervene? Employees probably should have stayed far away, seems like they invited trouble.

 

[mjkacmom]

I’m going to hazard a guess that the casinos have excellent legal teams, I doubt she will win. Atlantic City casinos do not have a reputation for nit paying real winners.

 

[focusondisney]

When I read this I wondered if the fact that one of their employees tinkered with the machine might disrupt the smooth flow of liability. How can you say you have nothing to do with it if someone on your payroll has the ability to disrupt and intervene? Employees probably should have stayed far away, seems like they invited trouble.

I don’t know anything about casinos or slot machines. I have no idea who is authorized to open a machine or verify a win. I’m sure the employee knows better than random people on the internet & wouldn’t jeopardize their job by doing something they’re not authorized to do. Especially for a million dollar jackpot that will be scrutinized when won.