14. … in the IGT Reno MegaJackpots Operations room
15. the lineup of the game’s symbols triggers first an alarm and then, a few seconds later …
16. an advisory flashes that a primary jackpot has been recorded on the system. It tells the 24-hr. monitoring staff which game you were playing, as well as the time, location and jackpot amount.
18. … the casino staff has offered you a quiet place to sit and relax. They must resist the impulse to offer you congratulations.
19. Your win is not yet “official” and congratulations are not yet in order. Nevada gaming regulations require a verification process whereby IGT technicians thoroughly inspect the winning machine’s internal systems to insure that the machine is working properly and the jackpot is legitimate.
21. … the operations people are on the phone calling the technicians in Las Vegas who will arrive shortly to inspect your machine. A jackpot response representative is notified who – once your jackpot is official – will present you with documentation to sign. This representative will also give you a check. (IGT does not withhold taxes.)
22. In the course of verifying that a jackpot is legitimate …
23. … the IGT technician will check the ‘candle’ (the light on top of the machine), compare various game programs, and compare machine readings to the information originally received at the Reno Operations center. Once your jackpot is verified …
25. and the paperwork (takes less than 1 hour to complete) is brought by the jackpot response rep. You will be asked for two forms of ID and give your current address, phone and employment information. You are required to complete a W-2G form to report your winnings which will be filed with the IRS.
27. If you opt to deposit it immediately – recommended – you’re provided with a phone number for an IGT specialist who will verify to your bank that the check is legitimate. A few days after your jackpot, an IGT representative will be in touch with you to finalize a few follow-up steps, but, essentially, you are done.