Casinos are often seen as places where the house always wins. But every now and then, beginners defy the odds and walk away with life-changing sums of money. These stories of unlikely wins remind us that luck can strike anyone, even those who have no idea what they’re doing.
Here are some unforgettable tales of newbies who beat the odds and left casinos stunned, just like you will be when you hit the jackpot from the comfort of your couch at HellSpin!
The Novice Who Won Millions
A 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles attempted slots at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas in 2003. He played slots for the first time when his friends challenged him to do it. The inexperienced man placed his first bet of $100 in a Megabucks machine and then pulled the lever.
To everyone’s shock, the bright display revealed the words “Jackpot Winner.” He secured a record-breaking payout of $39.7 million. His beginner’s luck awarded him the status of an instant millionaire and set his position in the history books.
The Tourist Who Beat the Roulette Wheel
The British traveler Ashley Revell became a headline maker in 2004 when he sold all his possessions to place one big bet on a single roulette wheel in Las Vegas.
With no prior experience, he headed into the Plaza Hotel & Casino with $135,300 and put it all down on red. The ball spun, the crowd held its breath, and when it landed on red 7, he doubled his money. His bold move paid off, and he walked away with $270,600.
The Grandma Who Hit the Jackpot
In 2015, a 76-year-old grandmother from New Jersey visited Atlantic City for the first time. The woman had never participated in such activities, so she attempted her first gamble on a penny slot machine.
She used up the only $20 she had in her possession. In seconds, the machine buzzed with flashing lights and ringing bells, and she received $1.2 million as her grand prize. She allocated her winnings toward her family and the vacation of her dreams.
The Poker Newbie Who Outplayed the Pros
In 2009, an amateur poker enthusiast named Darvin Moon entered the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event on a whim. A self-employed logger from Maryland, he had never played in a major tournament before. Despite his total lack of experience, he managed to outlast thousands of seasoned pros and made it to the final table.
Moon ultimately finished in second place, winning $5.2 million. His astonishing performance shocked the scene and motivated countless novices to give the game a try.
The Couple Who Won Big on Their Honeymoon
In 2018, an Australian couple who had just gotten married chose Las Vegas for their honeymoon. They opted to test their luck at a blackjack table, having only $50.
Much to their astonishment, they started to win hand after hand. They converted their 50 into 50,000 by the end of the night. Later, they stated their goal was to use the money to buy their first home.