Woman who won $43 million was offered a steak dinner instead of her winnings by casino
In 2017, Katrina Bookman’s life took an unexpected turn when she believed she had won an astonishing $42,949,672 while playing the slots at the Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, Queens. The potential windfall would have made her the recipient of the largest slot machine jackpot in US history, a life-altering sum that could have opened doors to endless possibilities. Overwhelmed with excitement, she even took a selfie with the slot machine to capture the surreal moment when her life seemed poised to change forever.
Anticipating her life as a multimillionaire, Katrina eagerly awaited confirmation of her winnings from the casino. However, her hopes were cruelly dashed when she returned the next day, eager to claim her jackpot. Instead of celebrating her newfound wealth, she was bluntly informed by a casino employee, “You didn’t win nothing.” The crushing news left her in disbelief, as her body went numb with shock.
The New York State Gaming Commission later disclosed that Katrina’s apparent jackpot was the result of a machine malfunction, and her actual winnings amounted to a meager $2.25. The slot machine displayed a disclaimer that declared all pays and plays void in the event of a malfunction, leaving the commission legally obligated to award her only the amount she had truly won.
As an inadequate gesture of goodwill, the casino offered Katrina a complimentary steak dinner, which seemed ludicrous considering she had anticipated a life of luxury with her multimillion-dollar prize.
In response to the situation, Resorts World’s spokesperson, Dan Bank, explained that upon investigating, the casino staff confirmed the machine malfunction, which was later endorsed by the New York State Gaming Commission. Despite machine malfunctions being rare, the casino expressed regret over any inconvenience caused to Ms. Bookman.
The following year, Katrina’s lawyer filed a lawsuit challenging the casino’s claims, deeming them “ridiculous.” He questioned the casino’s responsibility in ensuring the machines’ proper functioning and maintenance, raising concerns about the fairness of previous players’ experiences.
The legal battle between Katrina Bookman and the casino was eventually settled out of court, leaving her empty-handed and disheartened. For someone who had faced adversity, growing up in foster care and raising four children as a single mother, the false promise of a multimillion-dollar jackpot was an emotional rollercoaster. Katrina’s main concern shifted from lavish dreams to the well-being of her family, highlighting the real-life impact of such unforeseen events.
The story of Katrina Bookman serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that life’s unexpected twists can quickly change the course of our dreams. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of casinos in ensuring fair gameplay and handling machine malfunctions to prevent similar heartaches for others in the future. While the allure of a jackpot can be enticing, the reality of the situation teaches us the value of resilience in the face of disappointment and the importance of cherishing what truly matters: family and the strength to persevere in the face of adversity.