Good News, Bad News

[Jim3k]

Seems a fellow won $166 million at a the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa.

But the Casino is refusing to pay, claiming the slot machine in question malfunctioned. (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/04/crimesider/entry5523311.shtml)

The dude is going bananas, he seems to have hit three 7s. But the House says the macine can't pay anything over a lousy $99,000.

I think they better pay him something.

[ArkieDukie]

Isn't this something like a store having to honor posted prices, even if there's a mistake on the sign? The machine is ultimately their responsibility, and if it malfunctioned to the tune of $166 million then they should have to pay up.

[moonpie23]

oh i think some LAWYERS can straighten this out....

[YourLandlord]

This happens surprisingly frequently. The gentleman will probably get a token payout -- probably less than the $99K that is the max possible win on that machine.

There is an implicit agreement when you play these types of machines, created when you enter the casino or sit at a machine, that you acknowledge malfunctions are possible and that your maximum win is whatever is possible at that specific machine.

[allenmurray]

This happens surprisingly frequently. The gentleman will probably get a token payout -- probably less than the $99K that is the max possible win on that machine.

There is an implicit agreement when you play these types of machines, created when you enter the casino or sit at a machine, that you acknowledge malfunctions are possible and that your maximum win is whatever is possible at that specific machine.

I understand the implicit agreement part, and thus why he won't get the very big, big bucks. But why not the whole $99,000?

[YourLandlord]

I understand the implicit agreement part, and thus why he won't get the very big, big bucks. But why not the whole $99,000?

I think it's standard for casinos to argue that that "spin" was a complete machine malfunction -- and therefore, it should be considered as though it never happened.

[JasonEvans]

I think it's standard for casinos to argue that that "spin" was a complete machine malfunction -- and therefore, it should be considered as though it never happened.

But if it malfunctions and produces a losing spin in place of a winning one, you don't get your quarter back.

I can understand the argument that the max payout should be $99k, if that is what the machine lists as the max payout, but I have a hard time seeing how they could justify offering much less than that.

--Jason "question-- does the fact that this is an Indian casino affect the law/jurisdiction here?" Evans

[Jim3k]

I think it's standard for casinos to argue that that "spin" was a complete machine malfunction -- and therefore, it should be considered as though it never happened.

That argument isn't very persuasive since the machine's jackpot bells rang and called the attendants to make a payoff. It may have malfunctioned in regard to the $166 mil, but three 7s lined up well enough on the payline to ring the bells. That seems like $99,000.

[YourLandlord]

That argument isn't very persuasive since the machine's jackpot bells rang and called the attendants to make a payoff. It may have malfunctioned in regard to the $166 mil, but three 7s lined up well enough on the payline to ring the bells. That seems like $99,000.

Oh, I agree. I'm just stating the defense they've tried to use in the past.

It seems to me this payout is less costly than the bad publicity (if there is such a thing...)

[snowdenscold]

I saw this a couple days ago and thought, "Why don't they just use that defense all the time? Who actually verifies the casino's telling the truth?"

[Jim3k]

I saw this a couple days ago and thought, "Why don't they just use that defense all the time? Who actually verifies the casino's telling the truth?"

In Nevada, the state gaming commission oversees this kind of thing. All the machines are registered and there are inspectors nearby in both Las Vegas and Reno. I imagine the same thing is true in Atlantic City. As for other states, probably the same.

For Indian casinos, though, I have no idea.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

The guy should sue the Casio if he hasn't already.

[YourLandlord]

The guy should sue the Casio if he hasn't already.

Couldn't agree more. Just terrible watches.

http://www.autoevolution.com/images/news/red-bull-close-deals-with-casio-nautilus-for-2009-5361_1.jpg