Credit: ABC7
Woman Who ‘Won’ $43 Million Was Offered A Steak Dinner Instead Of Her Winnings By Casino
A woman was offered a steak dinner instead of her $43 million winnings at a casino, according to her lawsuit.
Having won such a staggering amount of money, you’d think the world would be your oyster, however, for one woman, this wasn’t the case.
In what should have been a moment of incredible celebration – one only few will ever experience – Katrina Bookman’s whole life was turned upside down when an issue with a casino machine left her empty-handed.
Katrina Bookman’s lottery win
It all started when Bookman was trying her luck on the slot machines at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York.
To her amazement, she hit the jackpot with an astonishing $42,949,672, and she captured the jaw-dropping moment with a selfie.
But all wasn’t as it seemed. Bookman returned the following day to discuss her winnings.
Excitedly, she inquired about her prize to one of the employees, only to allegedly receive one hell of a disheartening response: “You didn’t win anything.”
The controversy
Following on from the gutwrenching moment of Bookman finding out her ‘winnings’ had been snatched from right before her eyes, the New York State Gaming Commission verified that the woman’s machine had indeed malfunctioned.
Instead of the massive jackpot, she had actually won a mere $2.25 – and was offered a complimentary steak dinner – a measly prize compared to what she thought she had won.
A spokesperson for Resorts World, Dan Bank, told CNN: “Upon being notified of the situation, casino personnel were able to determine that the figure displayed on the penny slot was the result of an obvious malfunction – a fact later confirmed by the New York State Gaming Commission.
“After explaining the circumstances to Ms Bookman, we offered to pay her the correct amount that was shown on the printed ticket.
“Machine malfunctions are rare, and we would like to extend our apologies to Ms Bookman for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The lawsuit
A year after Bookman believed she’d snatched the jackpot, her lawyer filed a lawsuit and described the casino’s claims as ‘ridiculous’.
“You can’t claim a machine is broken because you want it to be broken. Does that mean it wasn’t inspected? Does it mean it wasn’t maintained?” her lawyer told CNN at the time.
“And if so, does that mean that people that played there before had zero chance of winning?”
Internet rallies to Bookman’s defence
After the world heard Bookman’s story, people were outraged.
Natalie Opray said: “The machines always malfunction on a high win?”
Steven Harrison added: “They did her dirty!”
Laura Heathcoe said: “Aw, poor lady.
“She came back the next day to claim her winnings.
“Could you imagine spending a whole night thinking you’re a millionaire now and then being crushed like that?
“That’s awful. And of course the casino won in court with their expensive lawyers.”
Su Day added: “No point in anyone gambling if they don’t pay out.
“I can’t see them being in business for long.
“Publicity and lots of it, make sure everyone knows.”
However, not everyone was as sympathetic. Malcolm Bartram said: “This is a good example of why I choose not to play with any casino.
“What everybody else does is their choice.”
Case resolved out of court
Eventually, Bookman’s case was resolved through an out-of-court settlement.
Upon realising that she would only be taking home a few dollars, Bookman, who had grown up in foster care and single-handedly raised four children, expressed: “All I could think about was my family.”
Related Article: Lottery Winner Burned Through $50 Million Of Prize Money By Spending $131k A Week
Related Article: Lottery Winner Burned Through $50 Million Of Prize Money By Spending $131k A Week
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