A gambler who was caught trespassing seven times at a Nevada casino is entitled to reclaim his jackpot winnings, according to an NGCB ruling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Final decision
A gambler who sneaks back into a casino after being evicted is entitled to reclaim his jackpot winnings, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) said after a 2-1 vote. On Wednesday, the NGCB ordered that Casablanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite pay $2,045.18 to Ron Wilson; This is a binding decision and therefore does not require any consideration from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Appeal process in a casino player dispute
This ruling was the result of the casino player dispute appeal process, which rarely ends in the gambler’s favor. Many of the appeals handled by the Control Board relate to jackpots not being paid out after a slot machine malfunction.
Defects in the rules
Dick Tommaso, vice president of security and government affairs for Casablanca’s parent company, Mesquite Gaming LLC, attended the hearing to plead her case. Wilson was not present.
It is more profitable for him to pay a small misdemeanor fine and continue gambling
Tommaso claimed that Wilson decided it was more profitable for him to pay a small misdemeanor fine and continue gambling on the property rather than abide by the ban. Speaking about the board’s decision, he said: “Your action will have a profound impact on all licensees in the state of Nevada.” The casino’s case was that Wilson had to commit a crime to place a bet and this meant he should not be able to claim any resulting winnings.
The company claimed that Wilson was caught trespassing seven times at the casino after he did not pay for a drink. He still managed to regularly return to the property and won three different jackpots over the course of several months.
Stirring up controversy
this Resolution of NGCB A debate is set to begin over whether or not patrons who commit a misdemeanor are still entitled to claim casino winnings. An NGCB regulatory workshop will be held on October 18 where the matter will be under the microscope.
Board member George Assad sided with Casablanca, explaining that Nevada’s unwritten policy of always paying jackpot winnings is not a good approach. Board member Brittney Watkins and Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick believe it is important for casinos to pay jackpot winnings even if they are to people convicted of a misdemeanor.
