Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Queens Woman Sues Resorts World Casino For Not Handing Over $43 Million Jackpot


By

David Colon

Published Jun 18, 2017

Modified Jun 18, 2017


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

David Colon

Published Jun 18, 2017

Modified Jun 18, 2017


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

A Queens woman who won a $43 million jackpot from a New York City casino slot machine, only for the casino to tell her the slot machine malfunctioned, is suing the gambling den after they offered a steak dinner instead of millions of dollars.

Katrina Bookman, a Queens resident, hit what she said was a huge jackpot on a "Sphinx Slot Machine" last year. However, Resorts World Officials told her that the machine was on the fritz and that the jackpot was void. Instead, the casino offered her a steak dinner as a way to try to make up for what they said was an error, bu Bookman didn't think a steak had the same taste as $43 million.

According to CNN, Resorts World's claim that the machine had displayed the jackpot number was an error was upheld by the New York State Gaming Commission, which pointed out that the machine displayed a message that said "Malfunctions void all pays and plays."

"You can't claim a machine is broken because you want it to be broken. Does that mean it wasn't inspected? Does it mean it wasn't maintained?" Bookman's attorney Alan Ripka told CNN, challenging the casino's version of events.

According to the News, Bookman is seeking a $43 million judgement against Resorts World. A spokesperson for the casino previously told the News that the Sphinx's highest payout was $6,500. In addition to claiming that she's owed the jackpot the machine displayed, Bookman claims that the denial of the jackpot left her "anxious, embarrassed and depressed" according to Courthouse News.

Tagged

lawsuits

resorts world casino


David Colon

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says

Sukken Wong, 62, allegedly stabbed her nonverbal son, Byran Wong, 25, to death.

By

Brittany Kriegstein

Published Oct 23, 2026 at 8:01 a.m. ET


Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

By

Walter Wuthmann

,

Jon Campbell

and

Brigid Bergin

News

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

By

Walter Wuthmann

,

Jon Campbell

and

Brigid Bergin


Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors

By

Ryan Kost

NYC Council to grill Mamdani officials on collapsed Hunts Point Produce Market deal

By

Elizabeth Kim

NYPD arrests 17-year-old in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting

By

Charles Lane


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .