A lucky couple from Arizona, Betty and Michael H., are brand-new millionaires since they won more than a million dollars at a Wheel of Fortune slot game in Arizona’s Gila River Casino Santan Mountain. But the couple almost never went. They had been planning a beach getaway to another casino in the resort town of Rocky Point, but because their dog sitter canceled, they went instead to Gila River Casino Santan Mountain on Saturday. Little did they know that this occasion would result in their luckiest break.

Many people would be upset if their weekend getaway plans were canceled at the last minute. But for an Arizona couple, a dog sitter’s last-minute change of heart turned out to be a million-dollar blessing.

Michael H., a US Army veteran and retired airline employee, and his wife, Betty, were all set to travel to Puerto Peñasco - affectionately known as “Arizona’s beach” - for a relaxing weekend. But when their dog sitter backed out unexpectedly, the couple had no choice but to stay home in Chandler. Rather than stew over their scrapped travel plans, Betty suggested an alternative: a visit to the local casino a day earlier than their usual Sunday trip. Michael agreed, and the rest is history.

Million-dollar moment on the slot floor

On Saturday, the 3rd of May, the couple arrived at Gila River Casino Santan Mountain and decided to try their luck on the casino floor. That’s when Michael hit a stunning $1,033,590 jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine.

“I’m glad I listened to my wife,” said Michael to Gila River Resorts & Casinos. The win took place at the $150 million Chandler-based Santan Mountain casino, which opened in 2023 and is operated by the Gila River Indian Community. The property features 850 slots and table games, a BetMGM-run sportsbook, and a high-limit gaming room. Though they visit the casino regularly, this win was anything but routine.

From army service to shuttle bus driving - and now, millionaires

Michael served in the Army before working for American Airlines for a total of 27 years. In retirement, he now drives a shuttle bus for residents at an independent living community. The couple, identified only as Michael and Betty H., have been leading a modest life - one that they say will change, but not dramatically, thanks to their winnings.

They plan to use the seven-figure prize to purchase a new home and spend more quality time with their grandchildren, who live out of state.

Why jackpot winners often choose anonymity

Though casinos often encourage jackpot winners to go public - and even offer perks in exchange - most winners opt for partial anonymity. Sharing only an initial or a partial name helps them avoid unwanted attention from burglars, solicitors, or even overly enthusiastic relatives.

Michael and Betty’s decision to share only their first names and last initial is typical. Even this level of exposure, however, may lead to unexpected consequences. They’ll probably need a new dog sitter now, quipped a spokesperson, half-jokingly.

A strong reminder that luck can be unexpected

For Gila River Resorts & Casinos, stories like Michael and Betty’s highlight the unpredictability and thrill of gaming. For the couple, it’s a reminder that even a disappointing change in plans can bring a surprising reversal of fortune.

What started out as a missed vacation turned into a millionaire-making moment - all because they were in the right place at the right time.