An 82-year-old man who won a US$10,000 slot machine jackpot at a Canadian casino has been told he can’t have his winnings because he had self-excluded himself 17 years ago.
John Marando was denied the handsome payout after staff recognized him when he went to collect his prize. Under state law, gamblers who self-exclude must be escorted off premises once identified.
However, Mr Marando claims he has no recollection of excluding himself following brain surgery eight years ago. He also says he was paid US$400 he had won earlier in the day without any problems.
“I can’t remember 17 years ago, I’m 17 years older and I’ve had a brain operation about eight years ago,” he said, adding that he was now working with a lawyer.
“I should have said ‘shove it,’ but I didn’t. I’m not going to let them get away with it.”
