written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
14 Jun 2024
Journalist, Editorial Department
An anonymous player from Hawaii visited the California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on June 12 and walked away with a staggering $1.57 million (approximately 140 million rubles) after a successful session on the Wheel of Fortune slot machine. The bet was a modest $5 (about 446 rubles).
In a press release, the casino stated that the winner attributed his incredible luck to a red envelope he carried with him during his visit. According to the player, the envelope symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.
The Wheel of Fortune slot by IGT has a history of delivering substantial payouts. In 2023 alone, jackpots of $643,000, $1.2 million, and $1.3 million (approximately 57.4 million, 107.2 million, and 116 million rubles, respectively) were won on this machine, all by players at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The California Hotel & Casino has also seen its share of big wins, particularly from visitors hailing from Hawaii. In January 2024, a resident of the state placed a $1 (about 89 rubles) bet on the Let It Ride slot machine by Light & Wonder and ended up winning $130,000 (around 11.6 million rubles). A representative from Boyd Gaming, the casino's owner, noted that the woman is a regular visitor to Las Vegas.
In March 2024, another anonymous player from Hawaii turned a $10 (approximately 893 rubles) bet into a jackpot of $1.17 million (about 104.5 million rubles) on the aforementioned IGT Wheel of Fortune slot.
Located in the heart of Las Vegas, the California Hotel & Casino is often referred to as the "Ninth Island" due to its Hawaiian-themed atmosphere. In addition to the casino, guests can enjoy 700 hotel rooms and various dining options. The California Hotel & Casino is one of 28 gaming and entertainment establishments owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation across 11 U.S. states.
It's worth noting that in May 2024, casino visitors in the U.S. won amounts ranging from $12,000 to $1.4 million.
