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Gambler bets $500 on video poker — and hits big jackpot on trip from CA to NJ

Two gamblers have won big prizes at an Atlantic City casino recently.
Two gamblers have won big prizes at an Atlantic City casino recently. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A gambler visiting from California won a big prize at a New Jersey casino.

The lucky visitor sat at a Double Double Bonus Poker machine Sept. 14 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the casino said in a news release.

He ended up with a royal flush in hearts, winning him the $400,000 jackpot.

The winning jackpot is pictured.
The winning jackpot is pictured. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

A royal flush happens when a player gets a 10, jack, queen, king and ace in the same suit.

But that wasn’t the only big win at the casino recently.

Another player sat at a “Wheel of Fortune” slot machine Sept. 6, bet $1.25 and won more than $212,000, McClatchy News reported.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Gambler bets $500 on video poker — and hits big jackpot on trip from CA to NJ."

Profile Image of Helena Wegner
Helena Wegner
McClatchy DC
Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the state of Washington and the western region. She’s a journalism graduate from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She’s based in Phoenix.
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