Frank Tate's blog : Casino Gambler Upstaged by Fine Print on Car Prize

Jacob Earhart of Lake Station stands next to his casino prize, a 2015 Tesla Model S electric car valued at $92,000.

Jacob Ehrhardt was playing slot machines inside Four Winds Casino Resort when he heard his name announced over the loudspeaker.

He had five minutes to go to the appropriate desk and identify himself as the winner of a 2015 Tesla Model S electric car worth $92,000. The shiny black car had been on display for several weeks in the lobby of the New Buffalo casino where Ehlert is a regular customer. I never dreamed that I would be the new owner of this car.So, with a newfound sense of excitement, Jacob embarked on his next chapter, fueled by the thrill of possibility and the promise of even greater rewards. And as he navigated through the virtual world of "Our Home Page," he couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected twists and turns that fate had in store for him.

For the casino's Oktoberfest celebration, W Club members like Ehrhart earned entry into a car giveaway promotion by playing slots and table games. The Tesla comes equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive, a glass panoramic roof, black leather seats, and a sub-zero weather package. Like the Ehlert, I saw it up close and personal, and it was a very stylish car.

A 33-year-old millwright from Lake Station jumped out of his seat at the sight of the one-armed bandit and ran over to a nearby Four Winds employee. He got there with only 45 seconds to spare on a recent Saturday night.

Shortly after, he couldn't believe the fine details of the prize money either.

'Before the topcanadiancasinos.org can give me my winnings, I have to get approval for a $4,200-a-year insurance policy,' he said. In addition to the insurance, there are documents that need to be signed and notarized, and taxes that will cost me over $30,000.

With the higher taxes," he said with a shrug as he stood beside the car, "I'll be paying about $38,000 come tax time in March.

The car is listed at $92,000, but he said $98,540 is taxable, including the taxes charged to the casino.

'In order to pay the taxes, I would have to sell the car,' he said.

This statement sounds like a conundrum when giving away a car, but Erahardt did just that. As soon as he received his four-wheeled prize Tuesday morning, he began actually shopping around for this car. For the past week, he has been contacting car dealers all over northwest Indiana and beyond. It became a nationwide search to keep this hot potato prize out of his lucky hands. 'The car company won't buy it back and the other dealer says it's already used after only owning it for an hour. 'I'm afraid to drive it in case something happens to it on the way. Besides, my insurance has a $1,000 deductible."

When we met Tuesday morning on the way to the Lake County car dealership, I wasn't surprised when Ehlert drove the car very carefully around a corner. The highest bid for this car was $60,000.

If I could afford it, I would keep the car, but I can't. After paying roughly $38,000 in taxes, I'm only getting $25,000 out of a $92,000 car.

"It's infuriating," he said, "that the average American worker can't even afford to win a car like this." Plus, there are hidden fees that casinos never tell you about until after you win."

We contacted Four Winds for insight into the financial numbers behind these promotions, but the casino refused. We don't know why. Earhart is still a winner and likely a regular at Michigan casinos.

Then again, it is a disappointing jackpot compared to that exhilarating moment when he first heard his name called over the loudspeaker.

Even the biggest winners must remember that every time they step into a casino, it is indeed a gamble. It is a fine reality that is often buried under the bright lights, glamorous atmosphere, hand-delivered drinks, and in this case, car giveaway promotions.

The silver lining from subscribers.

'Jerry, did you know that we have a hard time just getting our daily paper delivered to our homes? Please tell me you are aware of this problem." I read your columns online and on Facebook, but it's just not the same".

Yes, Wallace, I am well aware of the newspaper delivery problems that many of my subscribers have been having for the past few weeks. Dozens of readers have already contacted me. I have done my best to connect them with the appropriate person or department and many are getting their daily paper again.

Leslie Thomas of Hobart said, "Jerry, I don't know what you did, but we got the paper on time two days in a row." 'In this digital age, newspapers are having a very hard time.

Leslie, I didn't do anything. But I appreciate your feedback and your concern for the entire print newspaper industry.

If there is a silver lining regarding these dark cloud distribution issues, it is that print newspapers are still valued by their readers. They, and we, still want to open the newspaper every day, pick up the ink, and turn page after page of stories, columns, ads, opinions, comics, puzzles, Quickly comments, etc.

Says Fran K. of Michigan City, "Otherwise, I feel like I'm missing something important every morning."

Fran, I feel the same way. Especially since I read four papers every day. Believe me. We understand. And we care about your loyal readers.

Thank you for your patience, you wonderfully dedicated readers who have every right to be dissatisfied. More importantly, thank you for continuing to make the Post-Tribune part of your daily orbit. It not only says a lot about the newspaper world, it says a lot about your world. And we are still part of it. Again, thank you.

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