Published on: December 31, 2025, 12:24h.
Updated on: December 31, 2025, 12:24h.
- An immigrant claims Bally’s Chicago denied his jackpot payout
- The individual alleges he won a $1,250 jackpot but was refused his winnings
An immigrant applying for asylum in the U.S. asserts that he is owed over $1,200 from a slot machine win, but claims the casino refuses to pay due to his legal status.
A client named Nick, who wishes to remain anonymous, told CBS News that he secured a slot machine jackpot totaling $1,250 on December 20. However, upon presenting his temporary REAL ID, Bally’s Chicago declined to release his winnings.
“I’ve been a consistent visitor since they opened and have won 11 jackpots previously without issues,” Nick stated. “This time, however, they refused to pay due to my limited-term ID. I’ve always had this type of identification.”
Nick indicated that the $1,250 would have significantly aided him during the holiday season.
Bally’s Chicago operates as a temporary gaming venue in the River North area of the Windy City. Situated within the Medinah Temple, the casino boasts nearly 800 slots and 56 live dealer table games across 34,000 square feet.
A permanent Bally’s Chicago casino resort, valued at $1.7 billion, is currently being constructed in River West on the site of the previous Chicago Tribune printing facility.
Slot Redemption Issues
Since his December 20 win, Nick claims he has continuously communicated with Bally’s Chicago, yet he hasn’t received any compensation. According to regulations set by the Illinois Gaming Board, casinos must verify a patron’s government-issued ID to process payouts exceeding $1,200 (a threshold that increases to $2,000 starting January 1, 2026).
This threshold dictates that a W-2G form must be issued to the gambler, notifying the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue about the gambling winnings that must be reported as income.
“Make certain that federal and state tax forms are prepared for all payouts that exceed statutory limits, and verify the patron’s identification,” the Illinois Gaming Board guidelines mandate regarding electronic gaming device payouts.
Valid identification, as per Illinois gaming law, includes a driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A REAL ID represents a type of state-issued driver’s license that conforms to enhanced federal security regulations, indicating compliance for domestic travel with a gold star.
Limited-term REAL IDs can be granted to individuals with temporary lawful status, including certain visa holders and those under the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.
Response from Bally’s
CBS News sought a comment from Bally’s Chicago regarding Nick’s claim of unpaid winnings, but the casino declined to respond.
Possible explanations for the casino withholding payment may include a change in Nick’s legal status or the expiration of his limited-term REAL ID. Limited-term REAL IDs cannot be renewed online.
“Temporary or limited-term licenses and IDs must be renewed in person, upon showing and verifying valid documentary proof that the temporary lawful status is still valid or that the individual has lawful status in the United States,” explains the TSA website.