A man who won $10,000 on a slot machine in a casino was told he couldn't take his winnings home - because he had 'self-excluded' himself 17 years ago.

John Marando won the jackpot - the equivalent of around 6,000 - on a slots machine at the Mohawk racetrack and casino in Ontario, Canada, last week.

After staff were alerted to the win, however, the 82-year-old gambler was recognised and was told 'we can't pay you, you signed yourself out 17 years ago'.

Gamblers can 'self-exclude' themselves from casinos and betting shops if they want to stop gambling - usually handing over a photo and a letter of self-exclusion.

Mr Marando, however, says he had a brain operation in the intervening period and can't remember self-excusing himself - and is demanding the casino pay up.

Speaking this week, he said he had hired a lawyer to fight his case, adding: "I can't remember 17 years ago, I'm 17 years older and I've had a brain operation about eight years ago.

"I'm not going to let them get away with it.

According to local laws any gambler who has excluded themselves is 'not permitted to win prizes'.

Paul Pellizzari, of Ontario Lottery and Gaming, said: "People who are self-excluded need to know that prizes will be dis-entitled if theyre detected at a gaming facility and this is part of our support to them, part of our way of living up to the commitment to themselves to stay away from gambling."

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Gambler who won $10000 can't take his winnings for a very unusual reason - Mirror.co.uk