Casino Fined for Jackpot Mistake
Stephen Wilkinson was playing a 50 cents slot machine when a message board attached to the machine lit up. The message told Wilkinson -- by name -- that he had won $102,000 in a power play jackpot. A few minutes later casino official denied him the jackpot saying that it was a computer mistake and the message was sent in error. They offered him two buffet tickets instead. Wilkinson reported the incident to the Casino Control Commission. Five days later and amid mounting criticism, Philadelphia Park Casino officials reversed their decision and reluctantly paid Wilkinson the $102,000 jackpot.
Yesterday the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board hit the Philadelphia Park casino with $30,000 in fines. It ruled that the casino should pay a $10,000 civil penalty, contribute $10,000 to the state's Compulsive and Problem Gaming Treatment Fund, and cover $9,995 in state investigative costs. It was the first time that the board had fined any of the three new casinos. This shows that the board will actively investigate complaints against the casinos and do what is necessary to protect the players.