A routine night of gambling at the MGM Grand Detroit turned out to be a life changing experience for one lucky player.
It all happened when a Dragon Link slot machine suddenly paid out a huge jackpot of $1,075,996. The roar of the crowd and the flashing lights made it clear that this was the summer’s biggest win in Michigan.
It wasn’t just the seven-figure sum. It’s that it came from a linked progressive network; that’s the Aristocrat’s Dragon Link that anyone can find in regional casinos. This isn’t a one-off, secret cabinet; it’s the same line of machines you see at your local casino.
But what’s even catchy is that, earlier in July, someone at Mohegan Sun turned $5 into $2,018,742 on a Spanish 21 side bet. That’s table game territory, not a slot round. The Detroit slot win just caught headlines slightly later.
2025’s Million-Dollar Club
Curious about some recent big casino wins this year? Here are the million-dollar-plus jackpots:
| Date | Casino & Location | Game | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22-Jun | Eagle Mountain Casino, Porterville, CA | Megabucks | $3,136,503 |
| 9-Jul | Mohegan Sun, CT | Spanish 21 | $2,018,742 |
| May | Fontainebleau Las Vegas | Frankenstein slot machine | $2,462,616 |
| 12-Apr | Virgin Las Vegas | Whitney Houston Slots | $1,515,035 |
| 19-Jul | MGM Grand Detroit, MI | Dragon Link | $1,075,996 |
| Early Aug | The Venetian, Las Vegas | Dragon Link | $1,064,095 |
| 1-Aug | Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS | Progressive slot jackpot | $1,280,000 |
Where the biggest existing jackpots are right now
Ever wonder where people hit those life-changing jackpots you hear about? The secret lies in chasing what are called wide-area progressive networks.
These games link machines together across huge areas, sometimes an entire state or even the world. Because so many people are playing at once, the prize pools grow at an incredible pace.
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The Legends of the Casino Floor
A big name in the United States is IGT’s MegaBucks. This jackpot network has made countless people millionaires over the years. You’ll find these machines in major casinos, especially in places like Las Vegas.
Just look for them at resorts like MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and other big properties. IGT also runs the popular Wheel of Fortune progressive games, which are another classic source for huge payouts. If you want to see exactly where these machines are and what they’ve recently paid out, the IGT Jackpots website is a great resource.
Then there’s the Aristocrat Dragon Link family, still on the casino floors. These games have been on a hot streak, giving out million-dollar wins at places like MGM Grand Detroit and The Venetian. If you want to try your luck on one, just ask casino staff to point you to their Dragon Link or Dragon Cash cabinets.
IGT also has another trick up its sleeve: multi-level and mystery must-hit-by jackpots. These are jackpots that are guaranteed to pay out once they reach a certain amount. You can often find them on popular games at big casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Jackpot Hunting from Home
If you prefer to play from your couch, there are still jackpots to pursue. Mega Moolah by Microgaming is a global sensation. It holds the world record for the largest online slot payout.
Another favorite is Mega Fortune by NetEnt, which is famous for its multi-level bonus wheel. Microgaming’s WowPot! network also links multiple games into one giant prize pool. You can find all of these on international online casinos that partner with these software companies.
In states with regulated online casinos, sites like DraftKings and BetMGM often have their own jackpot networks or special promotional pools. The easiest way to see what’s currently available is to check the jackpots or promotions page on their websites.
Player-first tips when chasing big jackpots
- Always read machine rules. Some progressive tiers require a max bet or specific denomination to qualify for the top prize. If you want a shot at the big pool, make sure your bet meets the requirement.
- Use the casino newsroom and regulator pages to verify winners. If you see a big headline, check the casino’s press room or local news to confirm the figure and game. That helps separate rumor from fact.
- Decide your play style. If you like frequent small wins and long sessions pick lower volatility machines. If you are chasing a life-changing jackpot, accept long odds and set a strict budget. Treat big-pocket progressive jackpot play as entertainment, not an investment.
- Consider promos and timing. Operator promotions or hot-seat bonuses sometimes appear around big progressive launches or exclusive games. If a property is promoting a new linked cabinet, check for targeted promos that add extra value.
- Responsible Gaming. Set limits, and know when to stop. Chasing seven-figure wins is good, but the odds are long and the math is not in the player’s favor.
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