Gambler bets $7 on popular slot — then wins big jackpot at Atlantic City casino

By Helena Wegner
A file photo of the pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
A file photo of the pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A lucky gambler walked away with a massive jackpot prize after playing a slot machine in New Jersey.

The visitor from Pennsauken sat at a “Wheel of Fortune” slot machine June 26 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the casino said in a news release.

The player bet $7, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen.

Then a jackpot message appeared saying the player had won $568,871.88.

That wasn’t the only win at the casino recently.

A gambler from New York placed a $600 bet and scored $100,000 on a video poker machine earlier that day, the casino said.

Casinos were legalized in Atlantic City in 1976. Since then, the city has grown into a small resort and gaming city along the Atlantic Coast with casinos, nightclubs and entertainment.

The area, which is about a 125-mile drive south from New York City, brings in about 27 million people every year, according to city officials.

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.

Helena Wegner
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Aaron Moody is a sports and general reporter for the News & Observer. Here is a second sentence for the bio because it will probably be longer than this. Maybe even longer I don't know. Support my work with a digital subscription