A man seeking asylum in the United States has alleged that a major Chicago casino refused to pay out a slot machine jackpot worth over $1,000, citing his immigration status as the reason.
The Disputed Jackpot Win
The anonymous individual told CBS News that he hit the jackpot on a slot machine at the temporary Bally's casino in Chicago's River North district on 20 December. While payouts at the venue typically take just minutes, he stated he has yet to receive his $1,250 in winnings more than a week later.
"I've been a regular since they opened, and I've won 11 jackpots, I believe, in the past and never had any problems," the man said. He explained that he presented his valid state identification, a limited-term REAL ID issued by Illinois to immigrants with proper documentation who are seeking asylum.
"This time, however, they decided to not pay off, because of my limited-term ID, and I've always had that kind of ID," he told CBS. He added that the money would have been significant, especially during the holiday period.
Broader Context of Immigrant Protections
The incident occurs against a contentious political backdrop in Illinois regarding the rights of immigrants. Earlier in January, Governor JB Pritzker signed a suite of new laws designed to offer protections in various settings.
These laws, which took effect immediately, include:
- A ban on civil arrests at and around courthouses statewide.
- Requirements for hospitals, day care centres, and public universities to establish procedures for handling civil immigration operations and safeguarding personal information.
- Legal recourse for individuals whose constitutional rights are violated during federal enforcement actions in the Chicago area, including damages of $10,000 for anyone unlawfully arrested while attempting to attend court.
However, these state measures have sparked legal conflict. On Monday, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Governor Pritzker, challenging the new statutes.
Allegations of Discrimination and Ongoing Dispute
The asylum seeker at the centre of the casino dispute expressed his frustration, drawing a direct contrast between the state's proclaimed protections and his experience. "Knowing that our state and our city is, like, protecting all these immigrants and stuff, and then they're just like ... it felt discriminatory, that's all," he said.
He has reportedly continued to argue his case with Bally's management but has received no formal explanation for the withheld payment. The validity of his ID is not in question; Illinois explicitly permits those seeking asylum with the correct paperwork to obtain such identification, which remains valid for the duration of their authorised stay in the US.
The Independent has contacted Bally's casino for a statement regarding the allegations. The case raises pointed questions about the practical application of immigrant rights in everyday commercial transactions, even in a so-called 'sanctuary state'.
