New Mexico Indian Casino Says Slot Machine Malfunctioned; Refuses to Pay

[133724]

"I won money, fair and square, and I've been cheated out of my winnings," Hoffman told ABC News.

The casino says it's not responsible for what it describes as a computer error and says it offered Hoffman the maximum payout of $2,500 for that particular slot machine. But, a jury may never decide who is right. Lawyers told ABC News that gamblers like Hoffman may have little legal recourse against Native American casinos, which sometimes operate beyond the reach of U.S. courts.

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3772215&page=1

[SeattleGirl]

1. All casinos are that way. "All plays and pays are void in the event

of a machine malfunction."

It's not just the Native American ones.

[Richard Steele]

2. Nope. "The slot machine has a disclaimer that says it pays a maximum of $2,500 "

"...and warns that malfunctions void all winnings".

He should have taken the $2500.

[951-Riverside]

3. "he said, they gave him about $385 and a few free meals at the casino." n/t

[Richard Steele]

4. They offered the full $2500. He should have taken it.

Instead, he's gonna give a lot more than $2500 to a lawyer
and get NOTHING for it.

Once a gambling addict, always a gambling addict, I suppose. :shrug:

[Tactical Progressive]

5. If there were even a 1 in 100 chance of $1.6 million on a $2.5k bet

or even a non-trivial fraction of $1.6m on a $2.5k bet, it's a 99-to-1 gamble worth taking.

You never know what a jury will decide. 'If you don't want to pay out more than $2.5k, then it's up to you to make sure your machine won't register more than $2.5k.' They settle for $450k to avoid an appeal. One possible example.

Yes, he'll likely lose, but this bet is still more interesting than pulling a lever all night long.

[madokie]

6. its their machine and it gave him a win,

the issue is between the machine and its manufacturer and the owner of the machine not between the owner of the machine and the person who it, the machine, says won 1.6 mil. you get what you pay for and apparently they don't agree. they being the owners

[133724]

7. I agree.

If the casino ownes the machine and it malfunctions then the liability is between the manufacturer of the machine and the casino. NOT between the "winner" and the casino...

[Uben]

8. You people are dreaming!

If a bank sends you a check for a million dollars in error, you don't get to keep it. The same applies here. This man is entitled only to the amount the payout schedule on the machine says. Just because a machine malfunctions, it does not mean some greedy asshole makes a million. The same thing happened here at an indian casino, the guy sued, and lost. Wake up!

[mrbill]

9. yep, that must be winstar at exit one.....

didn't know that that case had gone to court yet.

totally agree with the what ever the machine says policy but the casinos(sic) could show a little more tact in dealing with these situations.

the weasle indians don't know to toss in a free hat and a buffet.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

11. The weasle Indians?

Geez...

[AngryAmish]

10. crooks