A proof reading or printing error may cost Harrah’s Joliet Casino in Illinois a possible US$5.8 million for a cash coupon mailer promotion. The Illinois Gaming Board has ordered Harrah’s to redeem the coupons for the mistaken stated value of US$525, after initial refusal by the casino. There were several complaints to the Gaming Board on Friday after 11,000 coupons were sent out earlier in the week.

After angry casino patrons contacted the Illinois Gaming Board, it acted to require the casino company to honour its promotion, and on Saturday Harrah’s began paying. A Gaming Board spokesman said that it had not seen a mishap of this magnitude recently, although the Empress Casino in Joliet had sent out 33,000 coupons for US$125 instead of US$5 in 1988. That casino had redeemed all coupons presented.

Harrah’s will doubtless be hoping that their latest publicity campaign will be an unmitigated flop. However, with the coverage the mistake has gathered in the media, it is most likely that everyone will be looking out for those coupons – even if previously discarded unread. (E-11.21.05)

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