Jackpot Recipient Successfully Collects Prizes upon Providing Proof of Residency at Casino
Cuban Man Claims Long-Awaited Casino Winnings After Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
In the summer of 2023, a unique situation unfolded at the Seminole Classic Casino in South Florida. Eduardo Cardoso, a 46-year-old man from Cuba, found himself in a predicament as he was unable to claim his winnings due to U.S. regulations.
Cardoso had been fortunate enough to hit several jackpots at the casino, amassing a total of $6,400. However, the reason he was not allowed to collect his winnings was due to a federal restriction. According to U.S. government regulations, Cuban nationals are unable to claim casino winnings unless they can provide documentation proving they reside outside of Cuba.
For over a year and a half, Cardoso worked diligently to obtain proof of his U.S. residency to collect his winnings. In order for him to do so, he had to present either a foreign passport, a U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card. Eventually, he was able to provide the necessary identification documents, and the casino paid out his winnings.
Edward Aguilar, the general manager of Seminole Classic Casino, confirmed the payout. He stated that the casino always pays out all prize money unless prohibited by Treasury Department regulations. The authorities that set the regulations for the payout of gambling winnings to Cubans in the United States are primarily U.S. federal regulatory agencies that oversee financial transactions, such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which enforces sanctions and rules related to Cuban transactions, potentially including gambling winnings payouts. Additionally, state gaming control boards may also determine specific payout guidelines within their jurisdictions.
Cardoso shared with NBC6 that he likes to go to the casino like any other person likes to go on a weekend. He plans to use his winnings for an emotional reunion with his family. In light of his experience, he warned others without the necessary documents not to play at casinos as they won't get paid.
The restrictions on Cuban nationals claiming casino winnings in the U.S. stem from U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba. This situation highlights the complexities of navigating the U.S. regulatory landscape for individuals from certain countries, even in seemingly straightforward matters such as collecting casino winnings.
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