Casino’s costly malfunction leaves winner with a measly $2.25 and a steak dinner

In a bizarre turn of events at Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, Queens, a woman named Katrina Bookman thought her life was about to change forever when the slot machine displayed a jaw-dropping jackpot of $42,949,672. However, instead of receiving her massive winnings, she was handed a mere $2.25 and a consolation prize of a steak dinner.

Katrina Bookman hit the slot machine jackpot at Resorts World Casino, marking what should have been the largest slot machine win in US history. Excitement and shock filled the air as the slots aligned, and Bookman’s dreams of becoming an instant millionaire seemed to materialize.

Undoubtedly thrilled, Bookman captured the moment with a celebratory selfie and wasted no time in seeking out a casino employee to share her joy. However, her elation turned to disbelief when she was asked to return the next day, only to be informed that she hadn’t won anything substantial.

The New York State Gaming Commission later revealed that Bookman’s machine had experienced a malfunction. According to the machine’s disclaimer, malfunctions void all payouts, and as per the law, Bookman was only entitled to the actual amount she had won— a paltry $2.25.

In an attempt to make amends, the casino offered Bookman a complimentary steak dinner, a gesture that hardly compensated for the colossal disappointment she faced, thinking she had hit the jackpot of a lifetime.

Bookman, not willing to accept this twist of fate, took legal action against the casino. Her lawyer, incredulous at the casino’s claims, filed a lawsuit, challenging the legitimacy of the malfunction explanation. The casino, in turn, defended its position, citing the rarity of machine malfunctions.

The legal wrangling ultimately culminated in an out-of-court settlement, leaving Bookman with a fraction of what she believed she had won. The incident raised questions about the reliability and maintenance of casino machines, echoing concerns about fairness for all players.

For Bookman, who had overcome challenges, growing up in foster care and raising four children as a single mother, the disappointment was particularly poignant. “All I could think about was my family,” she remarked, highlighting the emotional toll of an unexpected and disheartening turn of events.