Woman Who Won $43 Million At Casino Offered Steak Dinner Instead Of Her Winnings

Do you remember Katrina Bookman? While enjoying herself at the Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, Queens, Katrina achieved an extraordinary feat. She won the largest slot machine prize in American history. Her remarkable fortune amounted to an astonishing $42,949,672, which would have undoubtedly made her the recipient of unimaginable wealth.

After her huge win, Katrina Bookman commemorated the momentous occasion by taking a selfie with the slot machine, capturing the transformative moment. Overwhelmed with emotion, she described feeling a sense of numbness as she witnessed the staggering figure displayed on the machine.

Expecting to discuss her rewards the next day, Katrina Bookman eagerly returned to the casino

However, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment when she asked about her winnings. Only to be met with a disheartening response from an employee who callously stated, “You didn’t win nothing.” Based on the information provided by the New York State Gaming Commission, it was revealed that Katrina Bookman’s actual earnings from the slot machine win amounted to a mere $2.25 (£1.86).

The commission cited the presence of a warning on the machine, stating that “malfunctions void all pays and plays.” Consequently, they asserted that they were legally obligated to award Bookman only the amount she had legitimately won.

Read: Non-cents! Scottish Lottery Winner Colin Weir Blew Record-Breaking $50M in 8 Years Before Death

In a gesture of goodwill, the casino offered Katrina Bookman a complimentary steak dinner

The outcome was undeniably heartbreaking for anyone, but it held even greater weight for Katrina Bookman. Her life had been marked by challenges, having been raised in foster care and experiencing homelessness as a teenager. As a single mother of four children, she faced numerous hardships along the way. Given her difficult journey, the news of her jackpot being invalidated added another layer of disappointment and adversity. Making it an especially difficult blow to endure.

In an emotional interview with WABC, Katrina Bookman expressed her anguish, sharing, “I kept thinking about my family. The struggle I’ve been through; it’s hard to cope.” The weight of her past experiences and the ongoing challenges she faced made the machine’s malfunction feel especially cruel. As someone who could truly benefit from a stroke of good fortune, the turn of events seemed particularly harsh and unjust. Compounding the difficulties she had already endured in life.

Katrina approached the courts, feeling that this was unjust

Faced with the denial of her full payout, Katrina Bookman made the decision to reject the casino’s offer. And instead pursued legal action against Resorts World Casino, Genting New York LLC (their partners), and software provider IGT. Seeking $42,949,672.76 in damages, she aimed to file a lawsuit that would make headlines and turn what should have been the largest slot machine jackpot in US history into a nightmarish ordeal.

Bookman’s experience had taken a toll on her well-being. As she disclosed that the saga had affected her nervous system and left her feeling “embarrassed, anxious, and depressed.” Representing her, attorney Alan Ripka argued that she should be entitled to at least the maximum slot machine win of $6,500. He emphasized the principle that if the machine takes your money when you lose, it should be obligated to pay when you win.

Read: This Bartender Found An ATM Glitch And Blew $1.6 Million

However, the defendant refused the claim, choosing instead to offer an apology for the inconvenience caused by the alleged “malfunction.”

Alan Ripka challenged this response, questioning whether the machine had been inspected and maintained properly. He raised concerns about the fairness of the casino’s operations. Suggesting that previous players may have had no chance of winning if the machine was indeed faulty. The New York State Gaming Commission stated that the machine had displayed a disclaimer stating, “Malfunctions void all pays and play.” Thereby suggesting that they were legally bound by this warning.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Sphinx Wild machine, it continues to remain a popular and revenue-generating attraction on the casino floor at Resorts World. Among the thousands of game titles available at the New York complex, the legendary Sphinx Wild machine retains its presence.

Furthermore, it appears that the popularity of the Sphinx theme has prompted the introduction of updated variations of the slot game. These include titles such as Sphinx and Sphinx 3D, providing visitors with additional options and enhanced gaming experiences centered around the iconic Sphinx theme.

Read: Man uses simple math formula to win the lottery 14 times

So where is Katrina Bookman now?

As of 2023, the outcome of Katrina Bookman’s trial against Resorts World Casino, Genting New York LLC, and IGT remain unknown as no evidence has emerged regarding the resolution of the case. It is possible that the trial was either dismissed or is still ongoing. Potentially delayed due to the impact of COVID-19 on court proceedings.

Drawing from a historical case that bears similarities, Pauline McKee, a 90-year-old grandmother from Illinois, experienced a similar ordeal. One when she won a purported $41 million jackpot on the Miss Kitty slot machine at the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. However, she was informed that she had not actually won the jackpot due to a slot machine malfunction.

The case made its way to the Iowa Supreme Court. The defendant, Isle Casino Hotel, emerged as the victor by citing the on-screen rule stating that “Malfunction voids all pays and plays.” These real-life examples serve as reminders to gamblers that slot machine wins are determined by random number generators (RNGs). Making outcomes unpredictable.

Massive jackpot wins are rare, while losses are more common. Moreover, daily wear and tear can contribute to occasional technical malfunctions, further highlighting the unpredictability of slot machine results. Despite the challenging circumstances, it is hoped that fortune smiles upon Katrina Bookman, and her resilient spirit remains untainted by this unfortunate experience.

Keep Reading: Australian bank tells customer she can’t withdraw cash