Bally’s Chicago Slot Player Receives Jackpot After ID Verification Delay
Dispute Over Slot Machine Jackpot at Bally’s Chicago Temporary Casino
A conflict surrounding a slot machine jackpot at Bally’s temporary casino in Chicago has been resolved. After several days of public attention and media coverage, the player finally received his winnings.
Delay in Payout Sparks Backlash Over $1,200 Slot Win
An asylum seeker, who has chosen to stay anonymous for safety, won a jackpot of just over $1,200 in late December at Bally’s gaming area located at the Medinah Temple in River North. This payout was expected to be processed through a hand pay method, but the payment was delayed as casino staff questioned the authenticity of his identification.
The player presented a limited-term Illinois driver’s license issued to individuals with lawful temporary status in the United States. He maintained that his ID was valid and had been accepted multiple times before by the casino. Since the temporary casino opened in 2023, he had successfully claimed over ten jackpots using the same ID without any issues.
Despite this history, the casino employees initially refused to release his winnings, citing concerns about his immigration status. This standoff lasted over a week, leading the player to contact local news outlets. He expressed frustration not only because the money would have been helpful during the holidays but also due to feeling discriminated against, as his identification met the state’s requirements.
Casino Changes Stance Following Media Exposure
After a news report aired on a local station, the casino changed its approach. Bally’s reached out to the player with an apology and paid the full jackpot amount. Additionally, they offered a complimentary dinner as a goodwill gesture. The player acknowledged that the public and media attention played a crucial role in resolving the situation, implying the outcome might have been different otherwise.
Bally’s has not publicly explained the initial refusal to pay the jackpot or the reversal after the media coverage. They have so far declined to comment on the matter when asked about the change in their decision.
Broader Questions About ID Verification and Casino Policies
This incident has revived discussions about how casinos verify identification and report taxable winnings. Illinois regulations require casinos to collect taxpayer information for certain slot machine winnings, which are then reported to federal authorities.
Industry experts note that limited-term REAL IDs are issued under stricter criteria compared to regular licenses and are generally considered acceptable for casino use. The situation also highlights ongoing customer complaints regarding Bally’s procedures for handling IDs, especially concerning patrons from different countries.
Many online reviews mention confusion over the types of identification accepted for non-U.S. residents. While Bally’s continues to operate at its temporary location ahead of its forthcoming permanent venue, this episode sheds light on challenges related to regulatory compliance, staff training, and maintaining patron trust in a multicultural city like Chicago.
