Theresa P. of Ossining is Empire City Casino’s newest multi-millionaire, having hit a record-breaking $2,919,162.81 Wheel of Fortune slots jackpot March 11. Theresa joins the company of millionaires Howard G. of Long Island, who won $1,473,503 in October 2015; and Linda H. of Thornwood, who took home a “nearly there” million-dollar jackpot of $961,411 in November 2016.
Placing a $20 wager on the $10 denomination IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine, Theresa claimed the life-changing jackpot and eclipsed Howard’s record win by a whopping $1.4 million, nearly double the previous record held by the Long Island resident. Theresa now holds the record for winning the highest-ever jackpot at any of New York State’s regulated casinos.
It took only eight spins that lucky Sunday to hit the jackpot. Theresa and her husband, who have been frequenting Empire City since the casino opened in 2006, recently retired and plan to use their winnings to enjoy life.
Empire City’s millionaires aren’t the only ones with something to celebrate; each of the three highest jackpots at the casino were won on a Wheel of Fortune-themed slot machine. Furthermore, six of the top 10 jackpots won at Empire City were also on Wheel of Fortune slots.
The IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine that turned Theresa into a millionaire ballooned past the $2.9 million mark March 4, and has had guests visiting from far and wide to try their luck. The progressive jackpot was not the typical Wide Area Progressive – this particular jackpot could only be won on one of two Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars games at Empire City Casino.
Empire City boasts the sixth largest casino floor in the country, including Las Vegas and Indian casinos nationwide. More than 8 million visitors a year try their luck on the casino’s nearly 5,300 slots and electronic table games, hoping to join the ranks of Theresa, Howard and Linda.
“When our players are happy, we’re happy,” said Ryan Munroe, Empire’s director of gaming operations. “Empire City is such an important part of the region, so whether we are making millionaires, generating funds for New York schools, or supporting local charities and nonprofits, we are grateful that we can touch and change lives.”
