In one of the most unusual casino stories ever reported, a New York woman is taking legal action after what she thought was a life-changing jackpot turned into an extraordinary disappointment. Katrina Bookman, a resident of Queens, believed she had just won an eye-watering $42,949,672 on a slot machine at Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, New York a figure that would have been the largest slot machine jackpot in U.S. history.
But what happened next left Bookman shocked, frustrated, and ultimately in court — not as a multimillionaire, but as a plaintiff suing a major casino.
A Win That Wasn’t
The incident occurred in August of a recent year, when Bookman was playing a Sphinx Wild slot machine with a modest one-cent bet. To her astonishment, the digital display showed a massive jackpot of nearly $43 million. She excitedly took a selfie beside the slot machine showing the huge payout and reportedly called her family to share the stunning news. However, Bookman’s dreams of instant wealth were short-lived. When she returned to the casino the next day to claim her prize, she was told that the machine had malfunctioned and that the displayed win was invalid. Casino staff informed her that the true amount she was entitled to was just $2.25 — essentially a refund of her wager. As a show of “goodwill,” the casino offered her a complimentary steak dinner, a gesture that quickly became a focal point of ridicule online and the media. Bookman rejected the dinner and the small cash amount, insisting that something far greater was due.
“Malfunctions Void All Pays and Plays”
The casino’s refusal to honor the massive payout was backed up by regulations and disclaimers. According to the New York State Gaming Commission, the slot machine in question had a notice indicating that “malfunctions void all pays and plays.” This means that if a machine displays an erroneous payout because of a technical error, the casino is not legally obligated to honor the displayed amount. Resorts World and its parent company Genting New York LLC defended their position, explaining that the unusual jackpot figure was the result of an obvious error. A spokesperson stated that once the malfunction was confirmed, the casino offered Bookman the correct payout from the printed ticket and apologized for the confusion.
Taking It to Court
Unwilling to accept the outcome, Bookman filed a lawsuit against Resorts World Casino, Genting New York LLC, and the slot machine’s manufacturer, International Game Technology. Her attorney, Alan Ripka, characterized the casino’s stance as unfair and negligent, arguing that if the machine could take a player’s money when they lose, it should be equally responsible for paying out when it displays a win. In her complaint, Bookman sought at least $43 million in damages, claiming that she suffered emotional distress and lost a life-altering opportunity as a result of the casino’s actions. Ripka also questioned how a machine that allegedly malfunctioned could still remain in operation prior to the incident.
Rules and Reality
Legal experts have noted that such disputes are often resolved in favor of casinos when game rules and posted disclaimers clearly state that malfunctions nullify payouts. Similar cases in other states have upheld this principle, reinforcing that players assume risk when using electronic gaming terminals. For Bookman, the lawsuit represents not just a fight for millions, but a challenge to how major casinos handle technical errors that could potentially affect real players. Whether her case ultimately changes industry practices remains to be seen, but the bizarre saga has already sparked widespread public debate about fairness, gaming regulations, and the huge gap between expectation and reality in the world of gambling.Reason woman who won £33 million was offered steak dinner instead of winnings by casino
