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Gambler bets $5 on slot machine — then wins life-changing prize in Northern California

A gambler in California won a big prize at a casino in Placer County, the casino said.
A gambler in California won a big prize at a casino in Placer County, the casino said. Lee Thomas via Unsplash

A gambler won a massive prize off a slot machine in Northern California with a small bet.

Now the player is $512,871.13 richer.

The visitor sat at a Dollar Storm Mega Grand Wild Ninja slot machine Tuesday, March 4, at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, the casino said in a news release.

This lucky winner slayed a whopping $512,872 jackpot on Wild Ninja!

Posted by Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The gambler bet $5, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen until a jackpot message appeared.

“Omg to have this kind of luck is amazing,” one person commented on the casino’s Facebook post.

“Congratulations on a 5.00 bet..I’m on my way to try my luck,” another person wrote.

Lincoln is about a 30-mile drive northeast from Sacramento in Placer County.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 6:11 PM with the headline "Gambler bets $5 on slot machine — then wins life-changing prize in Northern California."

Helena Wegner
McClatchy DC
Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the state of Washington and the western region. She’s a journalism graduate from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She’s based in Phoenix.
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