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Gaming board tracks down Las Vegas $229,000 jackpot winner after slot machine malfunction

A “communications error” led a slot machine to malfunction, causing an Arizona man to be unaware he had won the massive jackpot.
A malfunctioning slot machine at the Treasure Island hotel and casino in Las Vegas prevented a man from learning that he won a jackpot worth more than $200,000.
A malfunctioning slot machine at the Treasure Island hotel and casino in Las Vegas prevented a man from learning he won a jackpot of more than $200,000.John Locher / AP file

The winner of a Las Vegas slot machine jackpot didn’t know he won more than $229,000 because of a “communications error” in the machine, the Nevada Gaming Control Board said.

Robert Taylor of Arizona won the jackpot Jan. 8 at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. However, because of the error, a malfunction occurred "that prevented Mr. Taylor and casino personnel from realizing that a progressive jackpot had been won," the gaming board said in a statement.

The news release says that once it had been confirmed that a jackpot had been won but hadn't been dispensed, the gaming board undertook an extensive search to find the winner.

“The Nevada Gaming Control Board is charged with the strict regulation of the gaming industry, the protection of the gaming public, and ensuring that the industry benefits the State of Nevada,” said James Taylor, the chief of the board’s Enforcement Division. “I commend the agents of the Enforcement Division, particularly Agent Dan Nuqui, for ensuring that the public trust in the gaming industry remains strong by spending countless hours over two weeks to ensure that a patron is awarded winnings owed to him.”

The investigation to find Taylor involved reviewing multiple hours of surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, reviewing electronic records and analyzing ride-share information, the release says.

After the information was reviewed, Taylor was identified, and on Jan. 28, he was notified about his winnings.

Taylor was scheduled to pick up his winnings over the weekend.