A passenger connecting through Harry Reid International Airport struck it rich on Sunday, landing a $3.3 million jackpot on a single $10 spin of a Wheel of Fortune slot machine.
The winner, identified as Anthony, was playing the Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Red Hot 7s machine in the C Gates area when the big win hit. Airport officials announced the victory on social media Tuesday with a photo showing a smiling middle-aged man next to the machine. "Now that's one way to spend a layover," the airport quipped, congratulating Anthony on what they called an "incredible win."
International Game Technology, the gaming company that operates the machine, confirmed the details of the win. While the jackpot amount is substantial, federal tax law requires a 24% automatic withholding on gambling winnings exceeding $5,000. Nevada's lack of income tax on lottery or gambling winnings means Anthony keeps more of his prize than winners in most other states.
The airport has become something of a lucky destination for slot machine players. In May 2025, another traveler won $1.8 million on a Wheel of Fortune machine in the D Gates section, though that winner's identity was not released. Just months earlier, in September, a different passenger wagered $1.25 on a Wheel of Fortune Triple Double Emeralds slot machine and won $348,507.71.
The string of massive payouts has put Harry Reid International on the radar for hopeful gamblers with spare time between flights, transforming airport layovers from tedious waits into potential life-changing moments.
Author James Rodriguez: "Three major jackpots in a few months at one airport suggests the odds might actually be better than players think, or someone upstairs has a wicked sense of timing."
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