A man seeking asylum in the United States has alleged that a major Chicago casino refused to pay out a slot machine jackpot he won, 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 area on 20 December. While such payouts are typically processed within 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-issued limited-term REAL ID, which Illinois provides to asylum seekers with proper documentation, and which is valid for the duration of their authorised stay.
"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 meant a great deal, particularly during the holiday season.
Allegations of Discrimination and Legal Context
The man described the casino's refusal as feeling discriminatory, especially in a state and city that publicly champion immigrant protections. "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.
The Independent has contacted Bally's casino for a statement regarding the incident.
This case emerges against a backdrop of significant legal friction between Illinois state authorities and federal immigration enforcement. Just days before this report, on Monday 29 December 2025, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over new state laws designed to shield immigrants.
Broader Clash Over Illinois Sanctuary Policies
Governor Pritzker signed a package of laws earlier in December 2025 that immediately took effect. These measures 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 federal immigration operations and protecting personal information.
- Legal recourse for individuals whose constitutional rights are violated during federal enforcement actions in the Chicago area, including damages of up to $10,000 for anyone unlawfully arrested while attempting to attend court.
The lawsuit and the casino incident collectively underscore the ongoing, tangible conflicts arising from the intersection of state-level sanctuary policies, federal immigration law, and everyday commercial transactions. The man's unresolved dispute with Bally's serves as a personal microcosm of these wider, systemic tensions.
