An astonishing fortune for numerous lucky players – the players won hundreds of thousands of dollars on the days leading up to Christmas at casinos in California, Las Vegas, and Detroit. The first player in California won big at the Monopoly Cash Wheel slot machine, taking home $748,000, and the second player came home with a hefty prize of $239,818 at Texas Hold’em. The other players took home big prizes as well, as you will see below. The holiday season turned extra festive for several casino patrons in the days leading up to Christmas, as jackpots totaling millions of dollars were won at various gaming properties in California, Las Vegas, and Michigan.

Sky River Casino pays out big

California’s Sky River Casino, operated by the Wilton Rancheria tribe in Elk Grove, witnessed two incredible wins just before Christmas. A Stockton, California, local hit the jackpot on the Monopoly Cash Wheel slot machine, walking away with a life-changing $748,000. The lucky guest struck gold on Monday. And just days earlier, a resident from Sacramento scored a massive $239,818 playing Texas Hold’em. The winner hit a royal flush, one of the rarest hands in poker, to claim the prize last Thursday.

With more than 2,000 slot machines and 80 table games as well as 18 dining options, Sky River Casino continues to draw visitors seeking thrills and, as these wins prove, life-altering payouts.

Tachi Palace Casino guests hit the jackpot

Over at Tachi Palace Casino Resort in California, the celebrations were just as grand. Two guests won substantial jackpots in recent weeks, as announced by the casino on December 18.

The first winner scored $498,662 by hitting a Blackjack Match STAX progressive jackpot, while the second guest pocketed $80,038 playing Spanish 21. The latter win came from a mere $5 wager on the Bonus Spin Extreme Double Diamond jackpot. One of the lucky winners expressed plans to use the newfound fortune to "improve my life for the better," showcasing the transformative power of these unexpected windfalls.

A legendary win at Las Vegas’ Rio Hotel & Casino and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s $1m giveaway

In Las Vegas, an unnamed guest at the Rio Hotel & Casino claimed the largest jackpot the property has seen since 2023. On December 16, the lucky visitor was playing the slot Kong: Skull Island when they hit an astounding $411,589 payout on an $18.75 bet.

At Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in California, one player walked away with a staggering $1 million prize as part of the casino’s annual “Million Dollar Moment” promotion on December 16. The event, celebrating the 85th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, featured actor Mario Lopez, who presented the prize to the lucky Emerald-level Club Serrano member.

“Partnering with The Wizard of Oz to lead us down the yellow brick road to a million dollars has been electrifying at both Yaamava’ and the Palms (in Las Vegas),” said Kenji Hall, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s general manager, in a statement.

MGM Grand Detroit welcomes record wins for influencer

‘Casino influencer’ Brian Christopher also found himself in the winner’s circle last week at MGM Grand Detroit. Christopher, who boasts a YouTube following of 708,000 subscribers and serves as a BetMGM ambassador, hit his largest jackpot yet while filming at the Michigan casino. Playing the Crazy Chickens slot machine, he wagered $37 and won $79,589.

But his streak didn’t end there. Christopher continued playing and hit five or six additional jackpots, ultimately walking away with over $100,000 in total winnings. “It was unbelievable. As I’m waiting to get paid out, I hit another five or six jackpots on the same game. It just kept going,” he told MLive.

From progressive jackpots to royal flushes, casino patrons across the country have turned their gaming experiences into holiday miracles. While their plans for these life-changing prizes remain a mystery, one thing is clear: luck knows no bounds during the festive season.