The "Greatest Love of All" for any gambler is hitting a jackpot at the casino. It's ironic when it occurs on a Whitney Houston slot machine.
That's exactly what happened to someone from California during a stay at the Virgin Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. They hit a life-changing casino jackpot, turning a mere $3 bet into a $1.5 million windfall.
"All at Once," the person became a millionaire. (See what I did there?)
The Whitney Houston Slot Machine does feature the late singer's hits and themes, but the jackpot was won when the unidentified player triggered the Platinum Progressive bonus.
When it was all said and done, the winner hit for $1,515,034.61. That will make you want to "Dance With Somebody."
The win is reminiscent of the $700,000 jackpot won by a man on a similar machine in Oklahoma, and the record-setting jackpot won on a Whitney Houston slot machine in Arkansas last year.
A Million-Dollar Spin
But we digress. Let's get back to our big winner at Virgin.
Back in 2009, Whitney Houston released "Million Dollar Bill," a song that uses the imagery of a million-dollar bill to symbolize someone who profoundly impacts your life. It's fitting, then, that a slot machine inspired by her legacy has provided such a life-changing moment for one fortunate player.
Although the winner remains anonymous, it's important to note that this wasn't just any visitor; they were part of Virgin Las Vegas's new loyalty initiative, Cherry Rewards.
This program is designed to offer members an enhanced experience, allowing them to earn and redeem points for almost any dollar spent at the resort. Benefits include access to cabanas, concerts, spa treatments and exclusive discounts, making it a game-changer for frequent visitors.
A Closer Look at Progressive Jackpot Wins
Hitting it big on a progressive jackpot slot machine is always exciting, but there's a lot more going on behind the scenes than many realize.
While it might seem like the casino is handing over the cash, the hefty payout actually comes from the company that makes the slot machine, in this case, IGT. It's part of how big progressive jackpots work, allowing slot machines across different places to be connected and contribute to the growing prize.
When someone wins a substantial jackpot, they usually have two options for receiving their money. They can opt for an annuity, which means they get payments every year for many years. Alternatively, they can choose to take one big lump sum payment. Most people pick the lump sum, even though it's considerably less than the total they would get over time.
According to Vegas Insider, slot machines remain popular because there are countless fun themes that make the game exciting and increase the thrill of winning big.
A Big Tax Bite Comes Out of The Winnings
Winning big also means paying taxes. Right off the top, the IRS automatically takes 24% of the winnings. It's a sizable chunk, considering the IRS doesn't take any risks in order to get their cut.
But that's not the end of the tax story.
How much more the winner owes will depend on several factors, like their overall income and other personal tax details. So, while a jackpot win can be life-changing, it's important to remember Uncle Sam also wants a share.
Why This Matters for Virgin Las Vegas
The significance of this win extends beyond individual fortune. Virgin Las Vegas, which has been reinventing itself in a competitive market, sees this win as a catalyst for further success.
With current visitors and potential guests seeing tangible rewards like this, the appeal of Cherry Rewards and its perks is set to grow.
Virgin is also just settled a nasty contract dispute with its hospitality workers. This marked the end to the first open-ended strike in 22 years for the Culinary Workers Union, Nevada's largest labor union. It even led to the cancellation of some of the casino's shows.
The union represents approximately 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, including those employed at most of the casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas.
Play Slot Machines Online
Las Vegas remains a city of dreams, and stories like the one that happened to the Whitney Houston slot machine jackpot winner continue to draw people from all walks of life, each hoping for their "One Moment in Time" amidst the magic of the neon lights in Vegas.
But you don't have to fly to Sin City to enjoy the thrill of playing slot machines, thanks to the convenience of the internet.
If your state has legalized online casinos, you can spin the reels right from the comfort of your home using your computer or mobile device.
Additionally, even if your state hasn't fully embraced online gambling, you can still experience the excitement by playing at online sweepstakes or social casinos, which offer a fun and legal alternative.
Just remember, whichever route you take, always gamble responsibly.
