Court Rules in Favor of Wynn Resorts over Slot Machine Payouts
Wynn Resorts has successfully defended its casino, Encore Boston Harbor, in a legal dispute over the way its slot machines payout.
Wynn Resorts triumphs in legal battle over slot machine payouts.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The plaintiff, A. Richard Schuster, claimed that the casino’s ticket redemption units (TRUs) violated Massachusetts consumer protection laws. Schuster argued that the casino’s refusal to issue coins when cashing out slot machine vouchers unfairly deprived customers of their money.
After years of legal proceedings, the US First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Wynn Resorts, affirming earlier court decisions. A three-judge panel, led by Circuit Judge Lara Montecalvo, concluded that Schuster’s allegations had no legal foundation.
The dispute centered around the functionality of the casino’s TRUs, which do not dispense exact change. Instead, they issue a secondary voucher for any amount less than a dollar. Patrons can redeem these vouchers at the cashier’s window or use them in another machine. Schuster contended that this practice violated both the casino’s policies and state gambling regulations by misleading customers and failing to provide full cash payouts.
Schuster’s History of Legal Challenges Against Wynn Resorts
The case is the latest in a series of legal battles Schuster has waged against Encore Boston Harbor. Earlier this year, Wynn Resorts successfully moved the case to federal court, where a district judge ruled in its favor. Schuster’s appeal was heard in January 2024, and the final decision was made in September, confirming that the casino’s redemption practices align with industry standards and comply with both federal and state laws.
The court noted that Massachusetts gaming regulations consider vouchers as a form of “funds” under the law, meaning that Encore Boston Harbor’s actions were lawful. This ruling effectively put an end to Schuster’s claims about the casino’s slot machine payout practices.
Schuster previously challenged the casino over its 6:5 odds at blackjack tables, arguing that it disadvantaged players compared to the traditional 3:2 odds. After losing that case, he turned his attention to slot machine payouts but faced defeat once again.
Related: Wynn Calls off Boston Harbor Expansion amid Fight with City
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Future Legal Action Unlikely
With the likelihood of the US Supreme Court reviewing the case being slim, this decision likely marks the conclusion of Schuster’s legal efforts against Wynn Resorts. The court’s ruling supports Encore Boston Harbor’s operational methods, affirming that its business practices are in accordance with Massachusetts regulations.
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