National

The slot machine said she hit $43 million jackpot; she got $2.25 and a steak dinner

Associated Press
Slot machines at Resorts World Casino in New York are pictured Oct. 3, 2014. The casino said on Nov. 3, 2016, that a woman who was shown that she won nearly $43 million on a penny slot in August 2016 actually won $2.25.
Slot machines at Resorts World Casino in New York are pictured Oct. 3, 2014. The casino said on Nov. 3, 2016, that a woman who was shown that she won nearly $43 million on a penny slot in August 2016 actually won $2.25. Julie Jacobson AP
NEW YORK

A New York City casino says its hands are tied after a malfunctioning penny slot machine displayed a nearly $43 million jackpot to a woman who actually won $2.25.

Katrina Bookman was playing the machine at Resorts World Casino in August when it displayed the big money payout. She says the casino later told her the machine had malfunctioned and offered her a steak dinner instead.

The maximum payout for the machine is $6,500. Resorts World tells The Associated Press that the state gaming commission has said the casino can’t legally pay Bookman even that amount because a malfunction voids all plays. The casino also says Bookman printed her $2.25 ticket before the incorrect amount was displayed.

Bookman’s lawyer denies his client printed a ticket. He’s threatening to sue.

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 1:24 PM with the headline "The slot machine said she hit $43 million jackpot; she got $2.25 and a steak dinner."

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