Pa. man who had banned himself from casino hits $2,001 jackpot, but must forfeit it

Banned Pa. gambler has to give back $2,001 jackpot

ERIE, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man who won a $2,001 slot machine jackpot must forfeit the winnings and will be charged with trespassing, because he had previously banned himself from casinos under a state program for problem gamblers.

State police have not identified the 55-year-old Waterford Township man who won the jackpot Friday at Erie’s Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

Under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s self-exclusion program, problem gamblers can choose to ban themselves from casinos for one year, five years or for life. Banned players are charged with criminal trespass if they enter a casino and must forfeit any winnings. The money goes to a compulsive and problem gambler treatment fund.

Information from: Erie Times-News, www.goerie.com