Indian Casino Denies $1.37 Million Slots Jackpot

Back in November 2010, Jerry Rape won $1,377,015 playing the slots at Creek Casino Montgomery in Alabama but was denied his winnings after the Indian casino claimed it was a computer malfunction. 
At the time of his win, flashing lights and sirens went off on the slot machine with the casino staff then congratulating Mr Rape on his remarkable fortune. Mr Rape also alleges that at the time one member of staff even warned him to not let the casino cheat him out of his money. Subsequently, the Lee County resident’s joy turned to dismay after being kept waiting while PCI Gaming arrived and closed-door meetings were held at the Creek Casino Montgomery.
It then took to the following day before Mr Rape was denied his payout and offered $125 instead, with his attorney, Matt Abbott explaining: “He essentially sat there for 24 hours before casino employees told him that the machine malfunctioned.”
Nevertheless, having taken his grievance to the law courts, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Reese has now dismissed Mr Rape’s claim after agreeing with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that the court didn’t have the jurisdiction to interfere in what is seen as a tribal matter.
Despite Mr Rape’s lawyer indicating he will appeal the decision, unfortunately his client was not protected by gambling laws of the State of Alabama when he entered the reservation and had to rely on Indian Law, instead. Following news of the dismissal, members of the gambling community took to online forums to vent their frustrations, with one poster by the name of goahead writing on al.com:
 
“This is why I will not play at Indian casinos. The “malfunctions” are common at the Mississippi Indian casinos, particularly near Philadelphia. The only avenue of appeal is to the casino owner. At least with the other casinos, one can appeal to the state gaming commission, and the “malfunctions” don’t appear to happen as often there.”