The history of casinos is full of superlative stories. Players who won incredible amounts, only to lose everything later, or those who invested their winnings in new businesses. Then there are those who decided to go into retirement and live happily ever after. This article will cover seven of the most amazing stories of the casino industry.
Unnamed, but Famed
Stories of ordinary people made instant millionaires at the casino grounds is what attracts new players every day. Nowadays, a lucky gambler can even hit the jackpot via mobile apps. Swedish players can check the best casino offers at svenska online casino. Additionally, our guest specialist, Dominic Andreasson can offer expert insight into the industry.
A person only known as D.P. hit an $11.6 million jackpot, straight from his smartphone, playing on Mega Moolah. The most significant award from online slots went to a Norwegian player, only known as “Peter”. Peter won a $38 million jackpot (11.7 million NOK).
Kerry Packer – The Legend
It’s hard to precisely say how much Kerry Packer won in Las Vegas, mainly in the MGM Grand Casino. The Australian billionaire was, in fact, a legend in Sin City, spending millions in a blink of an eye. His estimated losses over the 15 years he visited the city are just as spectacular: more than $20 million.
From Zero to Hero and Back Again
You know the saying, “The higher you are, the farther you’ll fall”? This is particularly true for high rollers and people who realized a bit too late that it was time to stop. Such is the case of the Greek immigrant Archie Karas. He went to Las Vegas chasing a big win in poker with $50 in his pocket and made $40 million in 30 months. He lost it all three weeks later.
A Singaporean billionaire suffered one of the biggest losses ever recorded in a casino. He reportedly lost $100 million at the Marina Bay Sands and the Resorts World Sentosa, two world-class casinos.
Top Seven Jackpots Ever Awarded
Get ready to read prizes that look like phone numbers. Check below for the seven luckiest winners of all times.
#1 – Young Engineer ($39.7 million)
Slot machines top the list of biggest prizes awarded. Typically, lucky winners prefer to remain anonymous. The biggest slot win ever was awarded to a 25 year-old “young engineer” who hit a $39,710,826.36 jackpot on Megabucks.
We don’t know much about him. He won the prize at the Excalibur Casino and decided to split the award and receive $1.5 million yearly.
#2 – Cynthia Jay Brennan ($34,959,458.56)
Our second top winner was a cocktail waitress from Las Vegas. Back in 2000, she scored the highest Megabucks jackpot ever awarded. After living the dream for a few weeks, her story took a tragic turn. While driving her car with her sister in the passenger seat, a drunk driver ran the red light. Her sister died at the spot, and she suffered a spine injury that would leave her paraplegic.
#3 – Retired Flight Attendant ($27,580,879.60)
The Palace Station Casino has awarded this handsome figure to a retired flight attendant. She intended to bet $100 but ended up betting $300 by mistake on a Megabucks machine. Best mistake ever.
#4 – Johanna Heundl ($22,621,229.74)
On May 27th 2002, Johanna Heundl started her day in the best possible way. She decided to take her chances with Megabucks before heading for breakfast. At first, she thought she won $2 million, which would already be amazing. Johanna couldn’t believe herself when she noticed the extra digit.
#5 – A Business Consultant ($21,346,952.22)
Here’s another unnamed hero. Back in 1999, he (or she?) put a $10 bill in a machine and got this jaw-dropping sum. Can you guess the machine? Surprise, surprise, it was Megabucks! The only thing we know about the winner, apart from the profession, is the age: 49 years old.
#6 – Elmer Sherwin ($21,147,947)
This World War II veteran isn’t only another Megabucks lucky winner. This man won twice on the same machine. First, in 1989, when he got a sweet $4,1 million jackpot. In 2005, Sherwin won again, but this time it was a $21,147,947 jackpot. He donated part of the prize to the Katrina relief fund and took care of his family until he passed away in 2007.
#7 – A Las Vegas Woman ($17,329,817.80)
This player used vouchers and free spin credits to take her chances at the M Resort in Henderson, Nevada, in 2012. Next time you take your coupons and free spins for granted, remember this tale.
Conclusion
Some winners don’t mind being identified. Still, anonymity is an unsurprising choice for instant millionaires. It’s a matter of safety and discretion. However, don’t get too excited and go to a Megabucks machine as if it owes you something. Jackpots like the ones mentioned above are extremely rare. Always gamble responsibly.
