It is a rule in casinos, “the person who pushes a slot machine button or pulls the arm is the person who wins the jackpot.”
… Irrespective of the fact that someone else has paid for him.
The person who has paid the money cannot claim on the jackpot. This is what has happened at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.
A former Las Vegas resident and veteran slot player, Jan Flato put his money into the Double Top Dollar slot machine and asked his longtime friend Marina Medvedeva Navarro to push the button for good luck. And, good luck came with the $100,000 grand prize.
As the woman’s spin has earned the $100,000 grand prize, she stands the chance to own the $100,000 prize, despite of the fact that she has not paid for the spin. On the other hand, Flato believed belonged to him.
Casino policy too states, “The person who pushes the button on a slot machine is entitled to any money won.”
Hence, after a review of the casino’s security footage, Navarro was awarded the jackpot prize. After the decision Navarro told, “Jan all of a sudden went ballistic. He started screaming in front of everybody.” She also revealed, “I never hit such a big jackpot in my life.”
Flato has now become a living example of this experience and sharing his cautionary tale for other gamblers. Flato says, “I want everybody to know what happened so it won’t happen to them. I’ve played slots all over the country and never had a problem like that.”
Even the people handing out the money said, ‘This isn’t right.’”
The decision to let the lady to push the button cost Flato the huge jackpot and his friendship with the woman. Even, Global Gaming Business magazine editor, Frank Legato tells, “The policy that cost Flato the money is “universal.” Even if he wanted to contest the ruling, it appears Flato doesn’t have any legal options.”
Flato too believes, “No one would take the case. That jackpot money is long gone.”
Flato says, “Navarro took the money.”
Weeks later, Navarro sent him a text message that reads, “Still hate me?”
Flato replied, “How could you do that to me?”
Navarro responded, “I miss you.”
Later, Navarro also revealed that Flato sent her threatening text messages. In one message he had written, “Having me as an enemy…not good… We’ll see who made the big mistake. It won’t be me.”
Navarro had reportedly offered him part of winning money; however, after the threatening texts, she made her mind up and rescinded the offer.