The House Doesn’t Always Win: The Biggest Casino Wins of All Time

Did you know that 42.5 million people went to Las Vegas in 2019?

Many went hoping to strike it rich, but most returned home empty-handed. In fact, the 23 major casinos on the Vegas Strip pull in about $630,000 a day—each!

Does that mean that the house always wins? Not necessarily! Some of the biggest casino wins in the world have happened in Vegas to ordinary people like you and me.

Ready to feel inspired by their stories? Read on!

1. Just Killing Time in Vegas

One day in 2003 at Excalibur Casino, a 25-year old man from LA decided to kill a few hours before a basketball game. He sat down at a slots machine and had spent about $100 when something astonishing happened.

The “Jackpot” sign lit up and announced that he’d just won $39,713,982.25—the single largest payout in Vegas history! The man (who chose to remain anonymous) is sitting comfortably on a payout of $1.5 million per year.

Next time he’s feeling bored, he should try his hand at Slotswise, just in case lightning decides to strike twice. Speaking of twice…

2. World War II Vet Wins Big (Twice)

WWII veteran Elmer Sherman was 76 years old when he won the Megabucks jackpot on the opening night of the Mirage Casino. He used the $4.6 million payout to travel the world.

Great story, right? But it doesn’t end there. Sixteen years later, at the same casino, he won the same jackpot again—this time for a cool $21 million.

The then 92-year old Sherman donated much of his winnings to relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, which had struck New Orleans just a few weeks earlier. Seriously, the world needs more stories like this one!

3. Billionaire’s Big Night Out

Australian billionaire Kerry Packer certainly wasn’t hurting for money, so he decided to try his luck at the MGM Grand Casino.

The exact amount he won is unknown (since there were several large wins), but it was somewhere between $20 and $40. He became something of a gambling legend, although he never had a night of that scope again.

Rumor has it he tipped the doorman and the waitress $1 million at the end of that one (epic) night of gambling.

4. Because $680,000 Isn’t Enough

A recently retired woman visited Vegas at started playing the Wheel of Fortune game at Palace Station. She won an impressive $680,000, but did she stop there?

Not a chance. Instead of rushing out to spend her earnings, she continued vacationing in Vegas and trying to top her first big win.

A few months later, she did—in the form of a $27 million Megabucks jackpot. We certainly hope she’s enjoying her (well-funded) retirement now!

Biggest Casino Wins: Are You Feeling Inspired?

If it feels like you’re stuck in the doldrums, don’t worry—we’ve all been there.

These people never could have guessed the phenomenal luck they were about to have, either. But guess what? Fortune smiled on them, leading to the biggest casino wins of all time.

Could today be your big day for a lucky break? You never know!

Did you enjoy this post? Are you looking for more inspiration? Be sure to check out our other Money articles for more great information.

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