Bally's Chicago Casino Jackpot Refusal: Legal Asylum Seeker Denied Prize

He hit the jackpot, but the house refuses to pay. A legal asylum seeker in Chicago is locked in a battle with Bally's Casino after the establishment withheld his winnings, citing his immigration status.

Bally's Chicago Casino Jackpot Refusal Sparks Outrage

The winner, identified as Nick, was thrilled to win a $1,250 jackpot at the downtown Chicago venue. Despite presenting a valid, state-issued temporary Real ID, the casino's management allegedly blocked the payout. According to CBS News, the casino claims his status as an asylum seeker disqualifies him from collecting the prize.

It's a frustrating standoff for Nick, who is living in the U.S. legally. Bally's isn't just withholding the money; they're also refusing to share their written policies regarding immigration status and jackpot payouts. This lack of transparency has raised questions about whether the casino is violating consumer protection laws.

Transparency Issues and Corporate Ethics

While Bally's remains silent, advocates argue that if a person is legal enough to wager money, they should be legal enough to collect their winnings. The $1,250 prize remains unpaid as of early 2026, leaving Nick and his legal team to consider their next steps against the gambling giant.