$42 Million Dollar Mistake

[bartongrl1]

When the lights and bells went off at a slot machine at the Fortune Valley Casino, in Central City, Colo., Louise Chavez thought she had the win of a lifetime -- $42 million.

But then it was all lost due to a machine malfunction. So instead of a very large check, all Louise Chavez got was her $20 back that she had put in the machine, a room for the night, and a few free meals.

Colorado gaming officials are investigating the incident, but said it could be nothing more than an unfortunate computer glitch. Chavez may not see a dime.

So, was it a computer glitch or just a question of the casino not wanting to have to payout that big a prize? Hopefully the woman will get her prize money.

Phone calls requesting comment from the slot machine manufacturer, WMS Industries of Waukegan Ill., were not returned to ABC News.

One also has to wonder why WMS would not answer the phone calls. This seems to make the whole deal very suspicious looking.

[Anita74]

Well of course it looks very suspicious,but we probably will never know the truth,it just is very unfortunate because this might hurt some casinos business because someone else might not play because their afraid that this might just happen to them.

I would be so mad if this had happened to me,they would have had to have given me alot more than that or I would cause a big stink for that casino.A win is a win and if the lights and buzzers went off I would have thought that I had won as well.

They need to make this right for this lady,if no other reason but to restore all of the players faith in the fairness of the casino.

[bartongrl1]

You are so right on both counts, we will probably never know the truth, and it does make people lose their faith in the casino.

Machine glitch or not, that jackpot should be paid out. After all, its not the customers fault that the machine failed, if it really did.

It seems to me that if it is a computer glitch that happens a lot these days, that the companies would send people to each casino to check out their machines and make sure that they are in proper working order.

But one still has to wonder if this is not just a way for casinos to get out of paying out big buck wins.

[ClassyTouch]

I think she shpuld sue and get the money, glitch or not was not her fault and when the machine said she won, I think they should have to pay her, or at least be fair and pay her half of it.

I know I would be one really poed woman!!

[bartongrl1]

These machine glitches really irk me. For one thing, how do they know immediately that it was a glitch? It just doesnt sound right to me.

In other words, for them to know it was a machine glitch, they would have to know that the machines were not due to hit yet, and that to me, seem very dishonest.

If thats the case, then what about the RNG? With that fact in mind, no one should know when any of the machines are going to hit.

Maybe taking this to court would be the thing to do, it might make these "machine glitches" go away entirely, because I honestly think it comes down to the fact that the casino does not want to make that huge payout.

[ClassyTouch]

I diffinately agree with you bart!! I know if that was me I would take it as far as I could take it.

They are not supposed to know exactly when a machine will hit or not. And there is no way they could know that fast if it was a glitch. And even if it was they are responcible for it either way. They should have to pay this woman something beside the little they did, that was like a slap on the wrist.

[davidritchie72]

Originally Posted by ClassyTouch

I think she shpuld sue and get the money, glitch or not was not her fault and when the machine said she won, I think they should have to pay her, or at least be fair and pay her half of it.

I know I would be one really poed woman!!

These casinos have some of the best lawyers in the world, so I don't see her getting far