A Cuban named Eduardo Cardoso won three jackpots at the Seminole Classic Casino in Florida in 2023, but was unable to access his winnings due to strict rules set by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which prohibit payments to Cuban citizens who lack legal residency outside the island.
When Cardoso tried to collect his nearly $6.000 prize, he was met with unexpected results: the casino was prepared to disburse the funds, but Treasury Department regulations prevented them from doing so.
Cardoso commented during a conversation with Telemundo: "I like going to the casino like anyone else on the weekend." But his luck had to wait a year and a half while he dealt with his residency process in the United States.
"With that money, I'm going to see my mom and my kids. I haven't seen them in almost 16 years. It makes me want to cry," she told NBC6 after receiving her work permit and returning to the casino to collect her winnings.
"If you don't have documents, don't play, because they won't pay you," Cardoso commented after the experience.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) establishes that Cuban citizens who lack proof of residency in a different country cannot accept certain payments in the United States, such as casino winnings.
