Everyone who has driven by a casino has seen the bright, digital signs with the smiling faces of the big winners. Well, on Sunday, September 19, 2021, a player named Donna won a jaw-dropping $1,644,349 at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.
The Hazlet, NJ, woman hit it big playing the “Wheel of Fortune” Progressive Jackpot slot machine. That makes Donna of Hazlet, New Jersey one of the biggest winners at an Atlantic City casino over the last ten years.
Donna certainly beat the odds; the chances of winning $1 million on a slot machine are around 1 in 500 million. You actually have a better chance of winning an Olympic gold medal, an Oscar, or becoming president of the United States.
Out of the more than 1,300 slot machines at the world-class Resorts Casino Hotel, Donna chose the exact machine that would change her life forever. Understandably, the new millionaire asked that her full name be withheld. But people around town may recognize the middle-aged blond from Hazlet from her smiling casino publicity photo.
An Anonymous Winner in Mississippi Won a Whopping $2,090,150.27 on Wheel of Fortune
There isn’t much information about the winner, which is understandable. But the life-changing jackpot was hit at the Goldstrike Casino, on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine.
Overall, the Goldstrike Casino awarded 5,451 jackpots totaling $13,531,165 in August 2021 alone. The casino’s 50,000 square-foot casino floor has 1,400 slot machines, as well as table games. The 1,100 room hotel features glorious views of the Mississippi River, and guests can feast on the finest fare. Finally, the 800 seat theater hosts a wide variety of big-name entertainment.
A Woman from Coarsegold, California Wins Big with Wheel of Fortune
On September 12, 2021, a woman named Reyne won a life-changing $159,970 on a $1.25 bet playing Wheel of Fortune at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold, CA. The local Coarsegold winner plans to pay off her student loans with her big win.
The Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino is off the beaten path, on State Route 41 between Yosemite National Park and Fresno, CA, in Madera County. The casino is owned and operated by the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians.
The 56,000-square-foot casino was established in 2003, with 43 table games and 1,800 slot machines. The resort also features 400 hotel rooms, a spacious buffet, the Vintage Steakhouse, a full-service spa, and much more.
The All-Time Biggest Wheel of Fortune Jackpot Ever
Back in 2009, Thomas McMillan of Woolmarket, Mississippi won an astounding $14,387,950.06 playing Wheel of Fortune at the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi. Mr. McMillan played just $3 for that mind-boggling win. This was his go-to machine, and he stated he always played the same machine and only gambled at the Hard Rock.
McMillan and his wife were retired, and living on investment income. Following the recession of 2008, a $14,387,950.06 windfall was certainly welcome. The McMillans were offered the winnings as yearly installments over 20 years, or as a lump sum. It’s unclear how the McMillans chose to claim their winnings, but either way, life was certainly better.
Wheel of Fortune, a Legendary Slot Game
Wheel of Fortune, developed by Nevada-based IGT (International Game Technology) is loosely modeled after the classic daytime TV gameshow. It even features the familiar theme and background music of the show. This wildly popular progressive slot game is not only found on the casino floor but also online. IGT has produced at least 250 versions of the game.
Wheel of Fortune first made its debut way back in 1996, and since then, has produced more millionaires than any other slot game. It is the “go-to” slot game for anyone who needs a chance at winning a life-changing jackpot.
Over its 25 year run, Wheel of Fortune slot games have made more than 1,100 lucky winners overnight millionaires. In all, Wheel of Fortune slot games has awarded more than $3.3 billion in jackpots. And, there is no sign that the “millionaire machine” will stop anytime soon.
The Undeniable Allure of the Progressive Jackpot
The eye-popping numbers displayed on progressive jackpot slots are there to draw players in. While there is certainly a chance of hitting it big, the odds of winning a million-dollar jackpot range between 50 million to one to more than 100 million to one.
By all means, have fun playing progressive slot games like Wheel of Fortune. But, stay within your budget, and don’t bet all of your money on a progressive pipe dream.
