NJ Casino Denies $2M Jackpot to 72-Year-Old Retiree: A Deep Dive into the Incident

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Winning a casino jackpot worth millions can be a life-changing experience, especially for someone in their golden years. This dream came true for a 72-year-old retired school teacher from Shamong, New Jersey, when she hit a jackpot worth over $2 million. However, her excitement quickly turned into a nightmare when she was informed by casino officials that her winnings would be denied due to an alleged system glitch.

From Dream to Nightmare

R.B., the retired teacher, shared her story with 6ABC Action News, detailing her deep disappointment and frustration. A frequent visitor to casinos and an avid slot machine player, R.B. decided to spend a day at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City at the end of February. Like many gamblers, she hoped to win a modest sum. After investing hundreds of dollars in a Wheel of Fortune machine, she was praying for a win of $1,000.

Oh my God, you hit, you hit! Lady, you’re a millionaire!

The machine’s sudden declaration of her as a winner, accompanied by the sight of gold coins popping out, marked the beginning of what she thought would be an unforgettable moment. A fellow player added to her joy by exclaiming, “Oh my God, you hit, you hit! Lady, you’re a millionaire!” According to R.B., the machine showed she had won a jackpot of $1.2 million, and with the multiplier, her total winnings soared.

A Glitch in the System?

Just as she began to celebrate, R.B. decided to call for assistance by pressing the service button. This action brought the security team to her side, and it was at this point that things took a drastic turn. The slot machine displayed a message saying “tilted,” and she was informed that her win was null and void due to a malfunction known as a “reel tilt.”

Casino officials explained that this glitch in the system meant the win was not valid. An attendant from Bally’s opened the machine and asked her to “spin it off,” but R.B. refused. The attendant manipulated the machine and, in the end, offered her just $350, a far cry from the millions she thought she had won.

Legal Actions and Accusations

Feeling cheated and confused, R.B. sought the help of her attorney, Mike Dicroce. Dicroce claimed that Bally’s attendants tampered with the machine before any independent party could examine it, potentially destroying crucial evidence of R.B.’s win. He called on the New Jersey Gaming Enforcement, Bally’s, and slot machine maker International Game Technology (IGT) to preserve the machine and the video footage from the casino floor for an independent forensic review.

Historical Context and Similar Incidents

The issue of casinos denying wins due to supposed technical malfunctions is not new. In fact, similar cases have occurred in the past, leading to lengthy legal battles. One notable case occurred in 2000 when attorney Jacques Bezou represented a client who faced a similar situation at New Orleans’ Harrah Casino. In that case, the slot machine maker IGT claimed that despite the winning symbols appearing on the screen, the computer system did not recognize it as a win due to a glitch. The jury and appellate judges did not accept this argument, ultimately ruling in favor of Bezou’s client and awarding a $1.3 million payout.

R.B. is hopeful that her case will follow a similar path, allowing her to claim the winnings she believes are rightfully hers. In addition to the $1.28 million jackpot and the multiplier that would bring her total to $2.56 million, she plans to file a distress claim for over $1 million. The emotional toll of the incident has been significant, as she had hoped to use the money to purchase a trailer for her homeless son.

The Broader Implications

This incident raises important questions about the reliability and fairness of casino systems. R.B.’s experience has left her disillusioned with the gambling industry, prompting her to question why she would ever visit a casino again if such glitches can void legitimate wins. Her case is a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls that gamblers face when they trust in the integrity of casino machines.

In April 2021, a similar situation occurred when a 54-year-old online casino player from Lincolnshire was initially denied his winnings by Betfred. The operator claimed a software error was to blame. However, the player eventually received his payout after a favorable decision from London’s High Court.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The experiences of R.B. and others highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the gambling industry. Players invest not only their money but also their trust in these establishments, expecting that their wins will be honored fairly. The legal and emotional battles that follow disputes over technical malfunctions can be draining and disheartening.

For R.B., the journey to claim her winnings is far from over. With legal proceedings underway, she remains determined to fight for what she believes is rightfully hers. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for better regulation and oversight of casino operations.

As the gambling industry continues to grow, it is crucial that players are protected from potential errors and that their wins are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. The outcome of R.B.’s case could set an important precedent for future disputes, ensuring that no other player has to experience the same disappointment and frustration.

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