Woman’s $43 Million Slot Jackpot Voided After Casino Cites Machine Malfunction
A New York woman who appeared to win nearly $43 million on a slot machine in 2016 ultimately walked away empty-handed after the casino ruled that the jackpot resulted from a machine malfunction.
Katrina Bookman was playing a penny slot machine at Resorts World Casino in Queens when the screen displayed a jackpot of $42,949,672, believed to be one of the largest slot machine payouts ever shown in the United States.
However, when she returned to claim the prize, casino officials informed her that the machine had malfunctioned and that the displayed jackpot was invalid. Instead of the multimillion-dollar payout, she was reportedly offered the machine’s maximum legitimate winnings of $2.25 along with a complimentary steak dinner.
Bookman challenged the decision in court, arguing that the displayed jackpot should be honoured. However, the court ruled in favour of the casino, citing the slot machine’s terms and conditions, which stated that “malfunctions void all pays and plays.”
The case drew widespread public attention and reignited debate over consumer protection, gaming regulations and the importance of understanding the terms and conditions governing electronic gaming machines.
The incident remains one of the most widely discussed examples of a disputed casino jackpot in recent years, highlighting how contractual fine print can determine the outcome of high-stakes claims.
Woman’s $43 Million Slot Jackpot Voided After Casino Cites Machine Malfunction