Of course, most claims are small and are settled on the spot by casino management. Larger table game disputes can be resolved by reviewing videotapes. But, this did not really matter, if the player had truly won the wager. Regulators can order casinos to pay, and can take away their licenses if they refuse. But here, the casino was suing the players.
Regulators have no power to make patrons pay.
The tribe knew that gambling debts are unenforceable, so it argued that these were not gambling debts at all. A conduct might be considered immoral or wrong. Instead, defendants played by the rules of the machine, which allowed four plays to the dollar instead of one.