Immigrant Claims His Casino Jackpot Wasn’t Paid Because of His Temporary Status
Posted on: December 31, 2025, 12:24h.
Last updated on: December 31, 2025, 12:24h.
- An immigrant says Bally’s Chicago refused to pay out his winnings
- The man claims he won a $1,250 jackpot, but was denied his slot winnings
An immigrant seeking asylum in the United States claims he’s owed a more than $1,200 slot machine jackpot, but the casino isn’t paying because of his legal status.
A man named Nick, who requested to retain anonymity by not supplying his last name, tells CBS News that he hit a slot jackpot worth $1,250 on Dec. 20. But when he presented his limited-term REAL ID, Bally’s Chicago refused to pay out his windfall.
I’ve been a regular since they opened, and I’ve won 11 jackpots … in the past and never had any problems,” said Nick. “This time, however, they decided not to pay, because of my limited-term ID. I’ve always had that kind of ID.”
Nick said the $1,250 would have gone a long way during the holidays.
Bally’s Chicago is a temporary casino in the Windy City’s River North neighborhood. The casino is located inside the Medinah Temple and features almost 800 slots and 56 live dealer table games on 34,000 square feet.
The permanent Bally’s Chicago casino resort, a $1.7 billion development, is under construction in River West at the site of the former Chicago Tribune printing plant.
Slot Redemption
Nick claims he’s been going back and forth with Bally’s Chicago since his Dec. 20 slot win, but has yet to see a penny. Illinois Gaming Board regulations, as defined in the state’s “Minimum Internal Control Standards,” require casinos to seek a patron’s government-issued identification before paying out on slots wins of $1,200 or more (the threshold increases to $2,000 tomorrow, Jan. 1, 2026).
The threshold is the amount that triggers the necessity on the casino’s part to issue the gambler a W-2G form. The IRS tax form notifies the federal agency under the Treasury Department and the Illinois Department of Revenue of the gambling winnings, which the filer must report as income.
Ensure that the appropriate federal and state tax forms are prepared for all payouts which exceed the statutory limits and that the patron’s identification is verified,” the Illinois Gaming Board’s rules on electronic gaming device hand-pays require.
A valid identification under the Illinois gaming law includes a driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A REAL ID is a type of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets stricter federal security standards, including a gold star to show that it’s compliant for domestic flights.
Limited-term REAL IDs can be issued to individuals with temporary lawful status, including certain visa holders and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients.
Bally’s Mum
CBS News reached Bally’s Chicago for comment on Nick’s allegations that his slot win wasn’t paid. The casino refused to comment.
Possible reasons for the casino not paying include Nick’s legal status being revoked or if his limited-term REAL ID had expired. Limited-term REAL IDs cannot be renewed online.
“Temporary or limited-term licenses and identification cards need to be renewed in person and upon presentation and verification of valid documentary evidence that the temporary lawful status is still in effect or that the individual has lawful status in the United States,” the TSA website explains.
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