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Slot machine player hits malfunctioned jackpot in Penticton

On Jan. 20 a slot machine at Lake City Casino in Penticton erroneously displayed a jackpot of $99,999.97.
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A slot machine player at the Penticton Lake City Casino reached a settlement with BCLC after winning on a slot machine that was intended to have a maximum payout of $1

A slot machine user at Penticton Lake City Casino got more than they bargained for upon hitting a jackpot.

According to Aly Couch, media relations for the B.C. Lotto Corporation, on Jan. 20 a slot machine that was supposed to have a maximum payout of $1,000 erroneously displayed a jackpot of $99,999.97.

"BCLC reached a settlement agreement with the player as a customer service gesture. In this particular case, BCLC could verify that a jackpot had occurred but was unable to confirm that the amount was anything other than what had displayed on the screen," said Couch. "Accordingly, BCLC determined that the appropriate course of action was to pay the erroneously displayed prize and was subsequently able to collect the prize amount from the slot machine manufacturer."

The player received the jackpot on the Diamond Point progressive slot machine.

Couch said the machine was immediately placed out of service while the matter was investigated. The Gaming Control Act, BCLC's regulator, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch was notified of the malfunction. Out of caution, all 189 Diamond Point progressive slot machines, which are linked to form one large progressive jackpot, were put out of service.

The manufacturer determined that the hardware and software controlling communication between the machines was at issue. Upon review, 20 controllers, managing 152 machines around the province, were capable of the identified fault. However, none of these had the circumstances where they experienced a malfunction. By mid-February the malfunctioning hardware and software were replaced and the machines put back into service.

"These kinds of occurrences are very rare; however equipment can malfunction in any highly technical environment. All gaming equipment in BC is tested by a third party testing organization and must be certified by our regulator before it can be placed on the gaming floor," said Couch.

Penticton Lake City Casino was contacted for further comment but declined.