The Biggest Online Casino Jackpots in U.S. History

The allure of online casinos lies in their accessibility and the tantalizing possibility of hitting a massive jackpot with a single spin. In the United States, where online gambling has gained traction in states like New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, players have won staggering sums through progressive jackpots. These jackpots grow with every bet placed, often reaching millions before a lucky player claims the prize. This article chronicles the 10 largest online casino jackpots in U.S. history, based on verified reports, and explores the mechanics, legal context, and strategies behind these monumental wins. From a 20-cent bet turning into $9.28 million to multi-million dollar payouts on popular slots, these stories highlight the transformative power of online gambling.

The Top 10 Biggest Online Casino Jackpots in U.S. History

Below is a detailed list of the 10 largest online casino jackpots won in the U.S., compiled from reputable sources. Each entry includes the jackpot amount, casino, game, date, bet size, and any available details about the winner or the win’s impact.

$9,282,332.30 – DraftKings Casino, Michigan, February 2025

In February 2025, an anonymous Michigan player made history by winning the largest online casino jackpot in U.S. history. Playing Irish Pot Luck, a NetEnt slot with 20 paylines and a 96.06% RTP, the player placed a 20-cent bet that resulted in a staggering $9.28 million payout—a 46,400,000x multiplier. This win, part of DraftKings’ proprietary progressive jackpot system, shattered the previous U.S. record. The jackpot had been growing since February 2024, starting at $1 million, and its massive size drew significant attention. According to Jason March, Vice President of iGaming Marketing at DraftKings, this win was a testament to the casino’s commitment to delivering life-changing experiences (PokerNews).

$6,450,023 – BetMGM Casino, New Jersey, August 2024

A New Jersey player struck gold in August 2024, winning $6.45 million on a $200 bet while playing Fruit Blaster, a five-reel slot with five paylines and a Gamble feature. This jackpot, part of BetMGM’s “The Big One” progressive network, was the largest in U.S. online casino history at the time. The win occurred on a Monday morning, and the jackpot reset to $1 million, reaching $1.2 million by the next day. BetMGM celebrated the milestone, with CEO Adam Greenblatt noting the excitement of watching the jackpot grow to record levels. Winners of jackpots over $500,000 also receive a trip to an MGM Resort, adding to the prize’s allure (CDC Gaming).

$3,500,000 – BetMGM Casino (Borgata Online), New Jersey, November 2021

In November 2021, a New Jersey woman, identified as Dori B., won $3.5 million playing MGM Grand Millions at Borgata Online, a BetMGM-operated platform. This win set a U.S. record at the time, surpassing a previous $3.2 million jackpot. Dori B. reportedly entered the game after noticing the jackpot’s size, stating she “just knew it had to happen soon.” The win highlighted the growing popularity of BetMGM’s exclusive progressive network, which includes games like MGM Grand Millions (Fupping).

$3,290,000 – DraftKings Casino, New Jersey, June 2023

On June 13, 2023, a New Jersey player won $3.29 million with a mere 10-cent bet on Ancient Fortunes: Zeus, a slot game known for its Greek mythology theme. This jackpot was DraftKings’ largest at the time, breaking a company record set just two months earlier. The win underscored the potential for small bets to yield massive returns, a hallmark of progressive jackpots (NJBIZ).

$3,000,000 – BetMGM (Borgata Online), New Jersey, October 2023

In October 2023, an anonymous New Jersey player won $3 million on a $2 bet playing Bison Fury at Borgata Online. The winner, who listed Las Vegas as a bucket-list destination, was treated to a VIP trip to ARIA Resort & Casino, including a four-night stay, a dinner at Jean George’s Steakhouse, and tickets to a Bruno Mars concert. This win was BetMGM’s second-largest jackpot at the time, showcasing the appeal of their exclusive titles (BetMGM Blog).

$2,800,000 – BetMGM Casino, New Jersey, 2023

Another significant win in 2023 saw a New Jersey player claim $2.8 million on MGM Grand Millions. This jackpot was part of BetMGM’s robust progressive network, which paid out over $138 million in 2023 alone. The game’s luxurious theme and high payout potential make it a favorite among players (BetMGM Blog).

$2,400,000 – BetMGM Casino, New Jersey, 2023

In 2023, a New Jersey player won $2.4 million on Luck O’ The Jackpot, another exclusive BetMGM title. This win contributed to BetMGM’s record-breaking year, with the casino’s progressive jackpots gaining popularity for their frequent and substantial payouts (BetMGM Blog).

$1,970,000 – DraftKings Casino, New Jersey, April 2023

In April 2023, a New Jersey resident won $1.97 million on a 10-cent bet playing Extra Chilli Megaways, a Mexican-themed slot by Big Time Gaming. This was DraftKings’ largest jackpot at the time, with Thomas Winter, DraftKings’ iGaming General Manager, noting the company’s growing jackpot payouts, which exceeded $8.7 million in recent months (Casino.org).

$1,440,000 – DraftKings Casino, New Jersey, June 2023

Just a day after the $3.29 million win, another New Jersey player won $1.44 million on a 10-cent bet playing 12 Western Horseshoes on June 14, 2023. This back-to-back win brought DraftKings’ total progressive jackpot payouts in New Jersey to $13.49 million since the platform’s launch (NJBIZ).

$1,000,000 – BetMGM Casino, Michigan, 2024

In 2024, a player from Southfield, Michigan, turned a 40-cent bet into a $1 million jackpot on Bison Fury. This win was part of BetMGM’s $128 million in progressive jackpots awarded in 2024, with Michigan leading the states in payout totals (Yogonet).

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots are the driving force behind these massive wins. Unlike fixed jackpots, which offer a set prize, progressive jackpots grow with each bet placed on the game. A small percentage of every wager is added to the jackpot pool, which can be linked across multiple games or even casinos. This pooling mechanism allows jackpots to reach astronomical sums, as seen in the $9.28 million Irish Pot Luck win. Progressive jackpots reset to a base amount after being won, such as BetMGM’s “The Big One” resetting to $1 million. Games like MGM Grand Millions, Bison Fury, and Irish Pot Luck are popular for their progressive features, offering players the chance to win big with minimal bets.

The Legal Landscape of Online Gambling in the U.S.

Online gambling in the U.S. is regulated at the state level, with only a handful of states legalizing online casinos. As of June 2025, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut have legal online casino markets. New Jersey led the way in 2013, followed by others, creating a framework for safe and regulated gambling. This legalization has fueled the growth of online jackpots, as platforms like BetMGM and DraftKings operate state-specific progressive networks. The expansion of legal online gambling has increased competition among casinos, leading to larger jackpots and more frequent wins. However, players in non-legal states often turn to offshore casinos, which carry higher risks due to lack of regulation (Yogonet).

Tips for Playing Online Casino Games

While winning a jackpot is largely a matter of luck, players can improve their experience with these strategies:

• Choose High RTP Games: Return to Player (RTP) percentages, like 96.06% for Irish Pot Luck, indicate the average payout over time. Higher RTP games offer better long-term value.
• Understand Volatility: Low to medium volatility games, like Fruit Blaster, pay out more frequently but in smaller amounts, while high volatility games offer larger but rarer wins.
• Opt for Progressive Jackpots: Games with progressive jackpots, such as MGM Grand Millions, provide the chance for massive payouts, often requiring a maximum bet or opt-in.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. Small bets, like the 20-cent Irish Pot Luck win, can still yield huge rewards.
• Use Bonuses Wisely: Many casinos offer sign-up bonuses or free spins, which can extend playtime and increase jackpot chances without additional cost.

Technology Behind Online Slots

Online slots rely on Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and random outcomes. RNGs generate thousands of numbers per second, determining the result of each spin. Regulated casinos in the U.S. are audited to ensure RNG integrity, providing players with confidence in the fairness of games. Additionally, secure encryption protects player data and transactions. Games like Fruit Blaster and Bison Fury are developed by reputable providers like Entain and NetEnt, ensuring high-quality graphics and reliable mechanics (PokerNews).

The Impact of Large Jackpots

Large jackpots have a profound impact on both players and the online gambling industry. For winners, these sums can pay off debts, fund dream vacations, or secure financial futures, as seen with the New Jersey player who used their $3 million win for a Las Vegas trip. For casinos, massive jackpots serve as powerful marketing tools, attracting new players eager to chase similar wins. In 2023, BetMGM awarded over $138 million in jackpots, boosting its reputation as a leading platform (BetMGM Blog). These wins also highlight the economic impact of online gambling, with states like New Jersey and Michigan benefiting from tax revenue.

Future of Online Casino Jackpots

As more states consider legalizing online gambling, the potential for even larger jackpots grows. The expansion of state-specific progressive networks, like those at DraftKings and BetMGM, suggests that jackpots could surpass $10 million in the coming years. Advances in technology, such as improved mobile gaming and cross-platform jackpot pools, will further enhance the player experience. However, increased regulation and responsible gambling measures will be crucial to ensure player safety and trust.

Conclusion

The biggest online casino jackpots in U.S. history, from a $9.28 million win on a 20-cent bet to multiple million-dollar payouts in New Jersey, showcase the thrilling potential of online gambling. These wins, driven by progressive jackpots and legal platforms, have transformed lives and fueled the growth of the iGaming industry. While the chance to win big is enticing, players should approach gambling with caution, setting limits and choosing regulated casinos. As the industry evolves, we can expect even larger jackpots and more exciting stories of luck and fortune. Always gamble responsibly, and who knows—you might be the next big winner.