The Biggest Slot Machine Wins in History Explained

Since their invention, slots have always been one of the most popular games among casino players. After all, each slot machine comes with its own unique set of symbols and graphics, and there are mesmerising soundtracks that keep slot players engaged throughout the gameplay.

Another reason behind the immense popularity of slot machines is the jackpot prizes on offer. With lady luck by your side, slot machines offer players the chance to have significant slot machine wins by wagering just a small amount of money. And this has happened several times throughout history. Keep reading to know some of the biggest slot machines wins.

$11.6 million on a mobile phone

This is the biggest slot machine win in the history of mobile slot gaming. While playing the Mega Moolah Slot, which features one of the most popular slot themes, a woman named D.P. hit the jackpot prize worth a whopping $11.6 million.

This lucky individual’s story is evidence that players can win significant amounts playing mobile casino games. According to D.P., the $11.6 million helped her retire early and visit some of the most popular tourist destinations with her kids and grandkids.

$18.2 million on Mega Moolah

Featuring a jackpot amount and 25 adjustable online slot paylines, Mega Moolah is one of the most popular progressive jackpot games out there. Since its introduction, this slot game has given millions of dollars in winnings. And a British soldier named Jonathan Wood is one of those lucky players to win that life-changing amount.

October 6, 2015, was just another ordinary day for Wood when he wagered a small amount for a single spin on the Mega Moolah slot game. But things no longer remained ordinary when the 26-year-old realised he had won a jackpot prize worth $18.2 million.

Luckily, the winning came when Wood’s father needed medical treatment. He is grateful and proud that he could use a part of his winnings for his father’s operation.

$18.9 million at PAF.com, Online

When playing online slots, players can find several games that coincide with high RTP rates and low to medium slots volatility. So, it’s no surprise that players have the chance to win significant amounts when spinning the reels of slots online.

Another slot win from the online slots world came in 2013 when a Finnish player tried his luck at Mega Fortune, a popular online slot game from renowned game developer NetEnt. Interestingly, the player wagered just 25¢ to win the humungous amount of $18.9 million.

While it all boils down to luck when it comes to winning jackpots at slots and other online casino games, players can improve their entertainment level and winning chances by following some tips and tricks. Check out our slot machine tips to know how to do that.

$21 million for a World War II veteran

This is perhaps the most extraordinary entry on our list. And you’ll get to know why we are saying that shortly.

Elmer Sherwin is one of those few individuals who served their country in the second world war.  And, if that wasn’t enough, the World War II veteran went on to win a $4.6 million jackpot when he was in his early 80s. This incredible win came in 1989 while playing the Megabucks slot game at the Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Twelve years later, in 2005, Sherwin tried his luck on the same slot game at the Cannery Casino and Hotel. And this time, he took home $21.1 million in winnings.

This is an incredible feat as the chances of hitting the jackpot prize in such slot games are less than one in a million. To express gratitude, Sherwin gave away part of his winnings to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

$35 million at Desert Inn, Las Vegas

Cocktail waitress Cynthia Jay-Brennan’s life changed when she won a whopping jackpot of $34.9 million on the Megabucks slot machine.

It was in the year 2000 when Cynthia went to celebrate the birthday of her boyfriend’s mother at the Desert Inn Hotel. After dinner, she and her boyfriend decided to try their luck at the famous Megabucks slot game. With $100 in the budget, the duo wagered $3 million on each spin. Luckily, on their final spin, they won a huge jackpot prize.

In a tragic series of events, Cynthia met with a car accident just weeks after this historic win. Now wheelchair-bound, she is a solid supporter of campaigns against drunk driving and also regularly donates to the Free Wheelchair mission.

$39.7 million at Excalibur Casino, Las Vegas

A young software engineer won the biggest slot machine jackpot of all time at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas. In 2003, the lucky individual wagered around $100 on the Megabucks slot machine and landed a jackpot hit of $39.7 million.

To date, the jackpot amount won by the engineer (who wishes to remain unnamed) is the biggest win in slot history. With the winning amount, the casino and the player decided to split it into 25 annual instalments in the interest of both parties.

$42.9 million win that never happened

If you keep up with news on casino gambling, you might have read about a New York woman winning $42.9 million on a slot game in 2016. When trying her luck on the Sphinx slot machine at the Resort World Casino, Katrina Bookman went on to win a jackpot worth $42.9 million. But as soon as she tried to cash out her winnings, she was informed that the maximum amount that can be won on the machine was just $6,500. To this day, the casino and the lady are fighting the matter in court.