Cough It Up

Casino Tells Man He Won Jackpot Then Refuses To Pay

Freddy Howard, 53, of Sunny Isles Beach, took part in a free promotional game, the Swipe and Win Progressive jackpot, while at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino near Hollywood early on Aug. 29. Howard swiped his Players Club card and said a hostess and supervisor broke the news, he won $259,945.75.

For three hours, Howard was showered with all the attention he dreamed of. As he told it, casino workers verified his membership card and identification, had him sign a publicity agreement, even presented him with a giant cardboard check.

And then, managers called him into an empty room.

"They just said, 'You know the jackpot that you won? We're not going to pay it,"'

After you lose a bet can you take your money back and say on second thought that was not the bet I meant to make? You make a mistake, you eat it.