Gambler scores New Year’s Eve jackpot on $2 slot machine, California casino says
One lucky gambler rang in the new year with a big win at a Northern California casino — scoring more than $140,000 on a popular slot machine.
The player hit a $140,236 jackpot at Thunder Valley Casino Resort near Sacramento on Wednesday, Dec. 31, casino officials said in a Thursday, Jan. 1, news release.
The gambler was playing the $2 Dragon Cash Autumn Moon slot machine, betting $50 per spin, “when the progressive jackpot was triggered,” according to the release.
Casino officials called the win “a fitting send-off to a year filled with excitement, energy and memorable wins on the casino floor.”
“New Year’s Eve is already a night full of anticipation, and a win like this takes it to another level,” said Dawn Clayton, general manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, said in the release. “It is a great way to close out an exciting year and continue the momentum we have seen across the casino floor.”
The New Year’s Eve win was the latest in a series of slot machine jackpots at the casino, including a $224,804 winner on the “Buffalo Link” game, the release said.
A gambler hit a $118,428 jackpot while playing the $1 Samurai Secrets slot machine on Christmas Day, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
What is Thunder Valley Casino Resort?
Thunder Valley Casino Resort, 1200 Athens Ave., in Lincoln, describes itself as “Northern California’s premier entertainment and hospitality experiences.”
In addition to a 17-story luxury hotel, a concert venue, a spa and 11 dining options, the casino has more than 3,500 slot machines and 89 table games.
The Placer County casino is hosting 12 job fairs in January to fill open jobs including housekeepers, cooks, table game dealers and beverage servers, The Bee previously reported.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort is nearly 25 miles northeast of Sacramento.
This story was originally published January 2, 2026 at 9:27 AM.
