Why a casino refuses to pay a Black woman who won $43 million jackpot

Katrina Bookman thought that her life had changed forever. While at the Resorts World Casino in New York, Bookman began playing the Sphinx slot machine. According to WABC, Bookman won close to $43 million.

She began taking selfies at the slot machine as she was surrounded by casino guests, staff and security. Bookman began thinking about how the winnings would help to improve her life, her family’s lives, and the community. After being escorted away from the casino with security surrounding her, she was told to come back to the casino the following day.

However, when she returned to the casino, she received bad news. Casino officials claimed that the machine had a malfunction and that they would not pay her the $43 million. The statement, “Malfunctions void all pays and plays,” is on every slot machine. In return, Bookman was only offered a steak dinner by the casino.

Bookman hired an attorney who said that the casino should at least give her the $6,500, which is the machine’s highest maximum payout. The casino said Bookman actually only won $2.25.

The casino and New York State Gaming Commission should be investigated by federal agents. If the casino doesn’t have to pay winners when slot machines malfunction, the casino should be forced to pay back the customers who put their hard-earned money into the machine. The reaction by the casino and New York State Gaming Commission could convince some people that the games in the casino are rigged and customers aren’t given legit chances to win.

After Bookman won the money, the casino allegedly decided to pull the machine and fix the problem. But Bookman believes that she deserves more for being a winner. She plans to sue the casino.