A program has been running in the state of Arizona, which sees charities benefitting from the casino industry. The program involves three land-based casinos in Phoenix, which are giving unclaimed casino jackpots to charitable organizations. All three casinos are run and operated by Gila River Gaming Enterprises. The three casinos are Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, and Vee Quiva.
Unclaimed Winnings Go to Charities in Arizona
As with most casinos, gamblers in Arizona have 180 days to claim their winnings. If there is a win that has not been claimed, the casinos take the winnings and put them into an account. The winnings come from all forms of casino games, including slot machines, video poker, and table games.
The winnings will be kept in this account until the end of the fiscal year, which ends in August. Once the fiscal year comes to a close, the winnings will be donated to charities that have applied to be part of the program. This is a really great program that can benefits many different organizations that are trying to make a difference.
The CEO of Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Kenneth Manuel, said that “It is our privilege to provide these funds to such incredible non-profit organizations that benefit the lives of Arizonans.”
It is not known how much money was collected, nor which charities are benefitting. However, it has been revealed that one of the previous recipients was a school, which used the funds to purchase much needed physical education equipment.
Nevada Casinos Not as Generous
Unfortunately, no similar program is being run in other states, including Nevada. In Nevada, gamblers have the standard 180 days to claim their winnings, or they lose it. Between 2011 and 2016, it is reported that as much as $35 million worth of winnings went uncollected from casinos in Las Vegas and other parts of the state.
Some of the reasons this happens is due to a player’s slip being lost or destroyed, or a player forgetting to cash the slip in. Another reason slips remain uncollected is when the winnings are too small. We think this sort of program should be offered throughout the United States, to benefit charities around the country.
