New developments have emerged in the case of a man caught on camera body-slamming a slot machine at an Oklahoma casino.
George Smith faces charges following a destructive incident at a Shawnee casino that was captured on video and went viral earlier this year.
According to a report by KWTV-DT, Smith is accused of destroying a slot machine at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, fueled by rage when he believed the malfunctioning machine had prevented him from winning a jackpot.
He now faces one count of felony destruction of property, as filed by the Pottawatomie County District Attorney.
The Incident was Caught on Camera
The incident was captured on camera by a fellow casino patron, showing Smith body slamming the malfunctioning slot machine. He was also yelling, until casino security took him to the ground.
It ultimately went viral.
Smith claims the machine went black precisely when he was in the middle of a winning streak. "I was just thinking like me, my kids, my family we gonna be straight,” Smith told News 9 from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from injuries sustained during his outburst.
Investigation and Toxicology Report
The casino's owner and operator, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, initiated a criminal investigation following the incident.
According to the filed affidavit, Smith destroyed the machine while loudly accusing it of withholding payouts from other guests. Law enforcement and paramedics intervened, with tribal police detailing that Smith needed sedation due to his agitated state.
A toxicology report later revealed traces of PCP in Smith’s system, likely contributing to his erratic behavior and hallucinations.
Machine Malfunction Clarified
Casino officials clarified that the machine went black not due to a technical error but as a result of Smith's repeated pounding on it. They say he was caught on camera doing it.
Security and body camera footage corroborated these findings, showing Smith visibly distressed, foaming at the mouth, and disoriented.
The damage to the slot machine has been assessed at $16,959.50.
In Oklahoma, the destruction of casino property is taken seriously, as it can fall under the category of criminal mischief or vandalism. Such offenses can result in significant fines and potential jail time, especially in cases involving substantial damage. The state's stringent laws aim to protect casino properties and ensure the safety and order of gaming environments.
Following his arrest, Smith was released on bond from the Pottawatomie County jail. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of substance use and uncontrolled anger, particularly in high-stakes environments like casinos.
Play Slot Machines at a Sweepstakes Casino
But you don't have to travel to Oklahoma to enjoy the excitement of slot machines. With online and sweepstakes casinos, you can play casino games from the comfort of your own home. These sites offer a variety of games and the opportunity to win big.
Just remember to practice responsible gambling tactics. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it to keep gambling enjoyable and manageable. Take breaks to stay focused, and understand that losing is part of the game, so don’t chase your losses. Always select trustworthy online casinos that ensure player safety and fair play.
