Under Iowa law, residents can ask to be voluntarily banned from casinos, racetracks and other gaming venues, usually to address a gambling problem. The self-ban means they can be removed when found at a casino and even face trespassing charges. They also forfeit their winnings. This also applies to the state lottery.

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Authorities allege Wessels enrolled in the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s self-exclusion program in January 2023.

On May 17, 2024, Wessels allegedly won a jackpot at the Waterloo casino and used another man’s name and a false Social Security number when he filled out paperwork to collect his prize, according to court records. The man whose identity he used later found out and called authorities.