At OLG casinos across Ontario, problem gamblers and at-risk players can choose to opt in to self exclusion from casinos in order to prevent them from gambling. One player who had done so nearly 20 years ago has now found himself in quite a predicament; after being permitted into the Mohawk Racetrack Casino and winning over $10000 despite, he is being denied his jackpot due to the self-ban.
John Marando is an 82-year-old retired van driver, who started visited Mohawk earlier this year – after signing a self-exclusion request in 2000. On February 17, he cashed in on a generous slots prize worth $400 and was able to collect the prize with no trouble.
On his way out of the casino, he tried his luck again and earned a jackpot worth $10 000 – but, collecting the prize was not a simple process this time around. When he visited the cashier, he was told that the casino could not pay out his prize because he had signed a self-exclusion agreement 17 years ago.
Under this agreement, casino security staff are meant to escort self-excluded players off of the premises, but Mr Marando was permitted to continue playing on both occasions. The issue only arose when he attempted to cash out his $10 0000 prize.
“I can’t remember 17 years ago,” Marando told the National Post. “I’m 17 years older and I’ve had a brain operation about eight years ago”.
He will continue to fight for his winnings, in hopes that he will be able to cash out the generous $10 000 slots jackpot.
The OLG has yet to make a statement on this specific statement but spokesperson Rui Brum stated: “If they are self-excluded then AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) regulation … prohibits us from paying out the prize”.
This situation is quite common, and it happens around the world more often than you would think. In fact, two players sued the BCLC for denying their winnings in 2010. Joe Marando’s case has yet to be taken to court but story continues to develop, and we will keep you updated as more information arises.
