Due to a “communications error”, Robert Taylor was not aware that he had won big, and by the time the issue had been reviewed, Taylor had returned home.

While playing on a progressive slot machine at Las Vegas’ Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, Taylor appeared to hit a jackpot, but according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), a malfunction prevented him and casino staff from realising that he’d won.

Multiple attempts by the casino to identify Taylor were unsuccessful, so the NGCB launched an investigation. Agents of the board’s Enforcement Division reviewed hours of surveillance footage from multiple properties, conducted numerous witness interviews, studied electronic purchase records and analysed data from rideshare services.

Their exhaustive efforts finally paid off when they successfully identified the mystery man as Robert Taylor.

On 28 January, he was notified of his winnings and was scheduled to appear at Treasure Island to collect his $229,368.52 jackpot.

“I commend the agents of the Enforcement Division, particularly Agent Dan Nuqui, for ensuring that the public trust in the gaming industry remains strong by spending countless hours over two weeks to ensure that a patron is awarded winnings owed to him,” said James Taylor, Chief of the NGCB’s Enforcement Division.

“I’d also like to thank the Nevada Transportation Authority for their assistance in confirming the identity of the patron.

“This has been a great example of government working together for the benefit of the public.”