Troy resident, Faye Hojeije, brought her two sons, Hassan and Hussein to a local carnival on Sunday.
At one of the carnival games, mom bought her boys a “family bucket’ of rings from game operator, Francis, for $5 to play a game of chance called “Ring a Bottle” on the carnival midway.
The rule stated: “Ring any bottle and win choice.”
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Although odds against winning are very steep, Hassan managed to get one of his rings over a bottle from about eight feet away and won according to the posted rules.
Francis then came up with an unwritten rule, proclaimed that Hussan did not really win, and refused to reconsider.
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Witnessing both sides of the story and advocating for Hassan, I explained to Francis that Hassan won fair and square according to posted rules and that he is entitled to pick any plush prize displayed in the concession.
Concerned about the commotion and a small crowd gathering, Francis eventually got another carnival worker, Dana, to hear the story.
Dana then announced to Hassan: “Choose any prize you want!”
Hassan then picked the 4 ft. tall plush Polar Bear.
The discussion was witnessed by photographer and retired Detroit P.D. sergeant, David Malhalab.
Additionally, Francis told us the story of a man who spent $60 (10 rings for $2) at “Ring a Bottle” the previous day before he finally got lucky and went home with a prize.
Concerned about possible cheating, the display of “games of chance,” and the practice of enforcing unwritten or made up rules by carnival workers, David responded to the Dearborn Heights P.D. and attempted report the incident to desk officer, Corporal Martin Biek.
Corporal Biek then refused to take David’s complaint.
Note: Traveling carnival companies (privately owned) are prohibited from operating "games of chance" in Michigan because they would be in violation of Michigan gaming/gambling statutes.
