A slot jackpot winner at Bally’s temporary casino in Chicago says he was recently denied the payout because of his immigration status.
Nick, whose last name was withheld by CBS News, said he is seeking asylum and did not experience the issue after hitting a jackpot on Dec. 20.
“I’ve been a regular since they opened, and I’ve won 11 jackpots, I believe, in the past and never had any problems,” he said.
ID Should Have Been Sufficient To Collect Jackpot
Nick said he hasn’t received any of his $1,250 in winnings or been offered an explanation from Bally’s. He said he presented a “Real ID” to the property that was issued by the state of Illinois. The state issues limited-term Real IDs to immigrants seeking asylum.
“This time, however, they decided to not pay off because of my limited-term ID, and I’ve always had that kind of ID,” Nick said. “It would mean a lot … especially now for the holidays.”
Gaming consultant Elihu Feustel told CBS News that the limited-term ID should have been satisfactory to collect the winnings.
“His limited-term ID is issued to people who are not residents of the US but are here temporarily – in his case, requesting asylum – and as we discussed, it’s more difficult and more stringent to get that than it is to get a regular REAL ID driver’s license,” Feustel said.
So far, the gambler said he has had no luck in resolving the situation. Bally’s has not issued a public comment.
Chicago Issues Tax On Sports Betting
The news comes as Chicago-related gambling issues received lots of recent publicity. The city placed a 10.25% tax on sports betting. But state lawmakers are pushing back, looking to halt the tax.
Construction of the permanent Bally’s casino has also suffered setbacks over the last couple years. That included a delay because of a waste-hauling services company’s alleged links to organized crime.
Additionally, Bally’s relocated the project’s hotel. The company made the move to avoid damaging critical water lines located underneath the property’s location.
Bally’s recently released artist renderings of the casino, including the poker room.
