Those who frequent South Florida casinos know that if a foreigner wins a game, the casino withholds taxes before releasing the winnings. But not all foreigners can collect winnings in US casinos.
A Cuban who won several jackpots playing slot machines at the casino was unable to collect the winnings due to a government rule.
Eduardo Cardoso likes the game. “I like to go to the casino as any other person likes to go on a weekend.”
And it all seems that luck is on his side since in the last year he has won 3 jackpots or jackpots at the Seminole Classic Casino but he says that when he went to collect the money “they didn’t want to pay”.
It turns out that Eduardo is processing his residence and now he only has a Cuban passport that he presented to try to collect his prizes. “He told me: ‘no, no, the Cuban passport here is not valid at all.’
Looking for answers, Eduardo contacted Telemundo 51 Responds and when we contacted representatives of the casino they told us that they wish they could pay Eduardo, but they can’t.
Mayra Hernandez, a spokesperson for the Seminole Casino, explains that “Seminole casinos always pay out all jackpots unless otherwise prohibited by Treasury Department regulations.”
And it is that the federal government has rules that prohibit Cubans who do not have proof that they live outside the island, from collecting prizes in casinos in the United States. The rules indicate that for a Cuban to qualify as not blocked, he must present evidence that demonstrates citizenship or legal permanent residence in a third country. Such as a United States or foreign passport or permanent resident card.
Upon learning of this, Eduardo sent the casino some documents from his immigration lawyer showing that he is processing his residence, but they were not enough, he says that if he had known about this rule, he would not have played.
“They have to have something that tells you, ‘if you don’t have a document, don’t go into the casino because if you win a Jackpot you won’t win it, we won’t pay you,’ says Eduardo.
Speaking of the possibility of having a billboard in the casino, Seminoles representatives said: “This is a very rare and complex issue for the Treasury Department and your reporting it will do more to inform the public than you ever could.” putting up signs in US casinos.
Eduardo says that he tells his story to alert other Cubans and for now he will stop playing those slot machines. “But you are almost in the process to get your residency. I am in the process. That remains in the hands of my lawyer.”
The casino spokeswoman said that in a case like this, as soon as he has proof of permanent residence, he will be able to collect his winnings.
These Treasury Department rules obey the sanctions imposed by the government on Cubans still living on the island. Remember that if you have a case that you want us to investigate, you can call us at 305-888-6842.
