The casino is claiming a malfunction of the machine which, according to the disclaimer on every slot machine, voids all wins. Whether or not there was a problem with the machine, the gambler is pretty much out of luck if he wants to take legal action. Indian nations can't be sued in the same way a Vegas casino could be, and chances are, this guy will never see a dime of his jackpot.(Gary) Hoffman, a retired Albuquerque city employee, was playing a "Mystical Mermaid" slot machine on the morning of Aug. 16, 2006, when he thought he hit it big.
The nickel slot said he'd won $1,597,244.10. Patrons and casino employees came to congratulate him. He even got a marriage proposal, Hoffman said. But, soon he was asked to come to an executive conference room, where he says he was told the casino refused to pay.
A casino employee "became quite intimidating with me, pointed his finger in my face and said, 'You didn't win. We're not paying you any money. Do you understand what I'm telling you? You're not getting any money,'" Hoffman said.
I remember reading somewhere that Indian casinos in California do not have to abide by the same minimum payout schedules that you'd find in Vegas. I believe Vegas slots are required to pay out a minimum of 90%, while some machines at Indian casinos in California might pay out as little as 70%. The odds are certainly against you in both cases, but much more so in tribal casinos.
It's probably better to stay out of all of them, tribal or otherwise, but if you want to spend a little more time with your money before you lose it, stick to Vegas.
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