Atlantic City's Bally's resort faces a significant controversy, sparking broad public indignation
In a significant development, a Federal Judge Christine O'Hirn has denied Bally's Atlantic City casino's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Ronnie Bill. The lawsuit alleges a breach of obligations by the casino following a technical malfunction that rendered a large win invalid during gameplay on February 25, 2025.
According to the complaint, a win message was displayed on the slot machine, but an error message immediately followed, stating that the win was "not valid" due to a system glitch. Casino staff confirmed this, and the casino has maintained that the incident was not a legitimate jackpot, but a computer or programming error.
Ronnie Bill, the plaintiff, claims that a legally binding contract was formed between the parties once the win was registered by the machine. The judge's decision allows the case to proceed, recognising the plaintiff's arguments as sufficiently serious to warrant a full hearing.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing gaming activities in New Jersey, has the authority to conduct internal investigations of gaming machines. This includes technical audits of software and hardware, and event log reviews. The findings of the NJDGE's investigation, if conducted, could play a crucial role in the legal process.
The lawsuit underscores the need for rigorous testing and maintenance of gaming machines to prevent technical errors and ensure fair play. It also highlights the importance of clear and transparent communication between casinos and their customers in the event of technical malfunctions.
The outcome of this lawsuit could potentially impact the relationship between casinos and their customers, especially in relation to technical malfunctions and payouts. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving technical malfunctions in casinos.
The case is currently proceeding in court, with Judge Christine O'Hirn having previously denied the casino's motion to dismiss. The NJDGE has not yet made any public statements regarding an investigation into this specific case.
