A man who won $10,000 on a slot machine in a casino was told he couldn't take his winnings home - because he had 'self-excluded' himself 17 years ago. <\/p>\n
John Marando won the jackpot - the equivalent of around 6,000 - on a slots machine at the Mohawk racetrack and casino in Ontario, Canada, last week. <\/p>\n
After staff were alerted to the win, however, the 82-year-old gambler was recognised and was told 'we can't pay you, you signed yourself out 17 years ago'. <\/p>\n
Gamblers can 'self-exclude' themselves from casinos and betting shops if they want to stop gambling - usually handing over a photo and a letter of self-exclusion. <\/p>\n
Mr Marando, however, says he had a brain operation in the intervening period and can't remember self-excusing himself - and is demanding the casino pay up. <\/p>\n
Speaking this week, he said he had hired a lawyer to fight his case, adding: \"I can't remember 17 years ago, I'm 17 years older and I've had a brain operation about eight years ago. <\/p>\n
\"I'm not going to let them get away with it. <\/p>\n
According to local laws any gambler who has excluded themselves is 'not permitted to win prizes'. <\/p>\n
Paul Pellizzari, of Ontario Lottery and Gaming, said: \"People who are self-excluded need to know that prizes will be dis-entitled if theyre detected at a gaming facility and this is part of our support to them, part of our way of living up to the commitment to themselves to stay away from gambling.\" <\/p>\n
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Gambler who won $10000 can't take his winnings for a very unusual reason - Mirror.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A man who won $10,000 on a slot machine in a casino was told he couldn't take his winnings home - because he had 'self-excluded' himself 17 years ago. John Marando won the jackpot - the equivalent of around 6,000 - on a slots machine at the Mohawk racetrack and casino in Ontario, Canada, last week. After staff were alerted to the win, however, the 82-year-old gambler was recognised and was told 'we can't pay you, you signed yourself out 17 years ago' Continue reading