Rowan Murphy
The allure of casinos has always been intertwined with the dreams of massive wins. Some lucky individuals have turned these dreams into reality, securing their place in gambling history with wins so large they seem almost mythical. This blog post delves into the stories of these extraordinary winners, providing a glimpse into moments that redefined the concept of luck.
Kerry Packer’s $20-40 Million Night at MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Australian billionaire Kerry Packer experienced an extraordinary night at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, where he won between $20 and $40 million playing blackjack and baccarat. The exact figure remains unknown due to the sheer size of the win. Packer’s generosity was as legendary as his win, as he tipped the staff handsomely that evening.
Don Johnson: The Killer of Atlantic City
Don Johnson, known as “The Killer of Atlantic City,” won approximately $15 million over a few months at Caesar, Borgata, and Tropicana Casinos. His strategic approach to blackjack and an easy-going attitude towards winning and losing made him a legend.
Beverly Whitten’s $3.7 Million Win at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort
Beverly Whitten, a retired teacher, won a staggering $3.7 million jackpot in 2006 after playing slot machines for two hours. Overwhelmed by the win, she chose to receive her winnings in monthly installments of about $2,000.
Mike Ashley’s $1.6 Million Roulette Win in London
Mike Ashley, the former billionaire owner of Newcastle Football Club, won $1.6 million in 2008 at Fifty Casino, London. His specific bet on the number 17 proved incredibly lucky, showcasing the unpredictability of roulette as one of the most popular casino games.
Charles Wells’ 1 Million Francs Win in Monte Carlo
In 1891, Charles Wells “broke the bank” at Monte Carlo, winning 1 million francs after playing roulette for 11 hours. His winning streak was so intense that the casino ran out of chips.
Elmer Sherwin’s Double Megabucks Victory
Elmer Sherwin, a WWII veteran, won $4.6 million in 1989 and $21 million in 2005, both at Megabucks slot machines in different Vegas casinos. He remains the only person to win a Megabucks jackpot twice.
The $21.3 Million Caesars Palace Jackpot
A 49-year-old business consultant from Illinois turned a $10 bet into a $21.3 million fortune in 1999 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. He chose to receive his winnings in annual installments.
Johanna Heundl’s $22.6 Million Birthday Win
Johanna Heundl won $22.6 million at Bally’s Casino, Las Vegas, in 2002, while celebrating her 74th birthday. She used a combination of free play tokens and her own funds to hit the jackpot.
$27.5 Million Win at Palace Station Casino
An anonymous retiree won $27.5 million at Palace Station Casino, Las Vegas, in 1998. This win came just months after she had won $680,000 on a Wheel of Fortune slot game.
Cynthia Jay Brennan’s $34.9 Million Megabucks Win
Cynthia Jay Brennan won $34.9 million in 2000 at the Desert Inn, Las Vegas. She generously donated most of her winnings to disability charities.
The Record $39.7 Million Jackpot at Excalibur Casino
In 2003, a young software engineer won the largest jackpot on a slot machine – $39.7 million at Excalibur Casino, Las Vegas. This win stands as the highest slot machine payout in history.
