Publication date: 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve is a time of magic and unexpected twists, and the world of gambling is no exception. Here are several real-life cases that took place in casinos and betting shops on the eve of the holiday or on January 1.
One of the most famous symbols of “New Year’s luck” became the $1.45 million jackpot won by a visitor at the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City (USA) on January 1, 2016. The woman said it was her first visit to a casino in a long time, and she had only managed to place one bet. This win on the Wheel of Fortune slot machine was immediately picked up by the press as the perfect start to the new year.
An even larger stroke of luck was recorded on January 3, 2020, in Connecticut, where a player at the Mohegan Sun casino won $6.48 million, setting a state record.
In 2023, many players received a “New Year’s gift from the bookmaker.” In the pre-New Year period, bookmakers offered high odds on the proposition that footballer Erling Haaland would not score a single goal in the Premier League match on December 31 (Manchester City vs. Everton). This seemed like a reasonable bet, considering the player’s slight dip in form. However, Haaland scored a brace, securing a solid payout for those who had bet on him to score and leaving the bookmakers with losses. This is a classic example of a “New Year’s surprise” in a sporting event.
However, where large sums of money are involved, there is always room for risk. Perhaps one of the most audacious incidents occurred exactly on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022, in Johannesburg, South Africa. A group of 12 armed individuals broke into the Emperor Palace casino, injured a security guard, emptied safes and gaming tables, and escaped, taking advantage of the festive chaos.
Another grim incident, a reminder of the dangers for big winners, occurred on January 2, 2010, in Nevada. A man who had won $30,000 at the Terrible’s Hotel & Casino was kidnapped right at its doorstep, driven to the desert, and robbed.
On New Year’s Eve, casinos and betting shops regularly witness stories bordering on fairy tales and absurdity: from last-minute multi-million jackpots to scandals and curiosities that end with champagne and top news headlines.
May only good things happen to you!
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