In 2023, a Cuban national hit the jackpot three times at a South Florida casino but faced a long wait before being able to claim his winnings. Eduardo Cardoso had to endure an 18-month delay because he lacked legal residency in the United States, a requirement imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Cardoso's persistence paid off when he finally secured his residency and was able to collect over $6,000 in winnings from the Seminole Classic Casino in Florida. Back in August 2023, Cardoso, a casino enthusiast, hit the slot machines and won three jackpots, but federal regulations prevented him from claiming his rewards at the time.
OFAC regulations restrict any financial transactions in the U.S. with Cuban nationals who cannot prove legal residency outside the island, due to economic sanctions on Cuba. These restrictions extend to casino payouts, as highlighted by NBC6 South Florida, which interviewed Cardoso and casino officials after his win.
"Cubans must provide evidence of their citizenship or permanent legal residency in a third country, such as a foreign or U.S. passport or a green card," the report noted, explaining the requirements to claim casino winnings. Therefore, Cardoso was initially unable to receive his prize. "I had a Cuban passport, and they said a Cuban passport isn't valid here," he recalled.
The casino representatives stated, "Seminole casinos always pay out winnings unless prohibited by Treasury Department regulations," and assured that Cardoso would receive his payout once he provided proof of residency. This promise was fulfilled.
In a recent interview with NBC6, after receiving his long-awaited payment, Cardoso confirmed, "I was able to claim my winnings." He shared, "In total, I claimed $6,400. With that money, I'm going to see my mom and my kids; I haven't seen them in 16 years. It makes me want to cry," he expressed emotionally. He also warned others in similar situations, "If you don't have documents, don't play because you won't get paid."
NBC6 reached out to the casino again, and Edward Aguilar, the General Manager of Seminole Classic Casino, stated in a release, "We are very pleased to confirm that we have paid Mr. Cardoso his winnings, totaling more than $6,000, after he provided the required identification documents."
A comparable incident took place in 2019 when Cuban Gabriel Díaz Gato won a jackpot on the slot machines at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel casino in Florida but couldn't claim the $3,850 prize due to his residency status.
FAQs about Casino Winnings and Residency Requirements
Why was Eduardo Cardoso unable to claim his casino winnings initially?
Cardoso couldn't claim his winnings initially because he didn't have legal residency in the United States, which is required by OFAC regulations to receive payouts in the country.
What are the requirements for Cuban nationals to claim casino winnings in the U.S.?
Cuban nationals must provide evidence of citizenship or permanent legal residency in a third country, such as a foreign or U.S. passport or a green card, to claim casino winnings in the U.S.
How did Eduardo Cardoso ultimately receive his winnings?
After obtaining legal residency in the United States, Cardoso provided the necessary documentation to the casino, which allowed him to receive his winnings.