The Biggest Slot Machine Jackpots in History
Slot machines, with their vibrant graphics and captivating sounds, have long been a favorite in casinos worldwide. These games of chance offer the tantalizing possibility of turning a small bet into a life-changing fortune. Over the years, several players have hit massive jackpots that have made headlines and become legendary.
The allure of slot machines lies in their simplicity and the tantalizing possibility of a massive payout. From the iconic Megabucks machines in Las Vegas to the increasingly popular online slots like Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune, these games have changed lives in an instant, turning ordinary players into multimillionaires. As technology advances and slot machines continue to evolve, the potential for even bigger jackpots remains, keeping the dream alive for millions of players worldwide.
Here are some of the biggest slot machine jackpots ever won and the games that delivered these remarkable payouts.
1. $39.7 Million on Megabucks at Excalibur Casino, Las Vegas (2003)
The largest slot machine jackpot in history was won on the Megabucks slot machine at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas. In March 2003, a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles, who chose to remain anonymous, placed a $100 bet and hit the jackpot, walking away with an astounding $39.7 million. Megabucks, developed by International Game Technology (IGT), is known for its progressive jackpot, which means that the prize pool increases with each bet until someone wins.
2. $24 Million on Wheel of Fortune at Mirage Casino, Las Vegas (2001)
The popular Wheel of Fortune slot machine, also developed by IGT, has produced several big winners. In 2001, a lucky player at the Mirage Casino in Las Vegas hit the jackpot, winning $24 million. This iconic slot machine, inspired by the famous TV game show, attracts players with its familiar spinning wheel and the promise of huge payouts.
3. $17.3 Million on Mega Moolah at an Online Casino (2015)
Online casinos have also seen monumental wins. In 2015, British soldier Jon Heywood won £13.2 million ($17.3 million) on the Mega Moolah slot game, developed by Microgaming. Known for its progressive jackpot network across multiple online casinos, Mega Moolah is famous for delivering some of the largest online slot machine jackpots ever recorded.
4. $12.8 Million on Mega Fortune at an Online Casino (2011)
In 2011, a Norwegian player hit the jackpot on the Mega Fortune slot game, winning €11.7 million ($12.8 million). Mega Fortune, developed by NetEnt, is another popular progressive jackpot slot known for its high payouts. The win was celebrated globally and highlighted the potential of online slot machines to deliver staggering jackpots.
5. $11.6 Million on Arabian Nights at an Online Casino (2012)
Another notable online jackpot was won on the Arabian Nights slot machine, also developed by NetEnt. In 2012, a Finnish player won €8.6 million ($11.6 million) while playing this Middle Eastern-themed slot game. Arabian Nights is renowned for its progressive jackpot and engaging gameplay, making it a favorite among online slot enthusiasts.
6. $10.7 Million on Cleopatra at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas (2019)
In 2019, a fortunate player hit the jackpot on the Cleopatra slot machine at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, winning $10.7 million. Developed by IGT, Cleopatra is one of the most popular slot machines in casinos worldwide, featuring ancient Egyptian themes and the iconic Cleopatra wild symbol that doubles the payouts.
7. $8.9 Million on Hall of Gods at an Online Casino (2015)
The Hall of Gods slot machine, developed by NetEnt, delivered a massive jackpot in 2015 when a lucky player won €7.8 million ($8.9 million). This Norse mythology-themed slot game is known for its progressive jackpot and exciting bonus features, which include the possibility of winning one of three different jackpots.