A quick $3 spin turned into a life-altering payday for a San Jose woman at Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, where she walked out nearly $1.1 million richer after hitting a Wheel of Fortune Cash Link slot. Tammy O. scored a jaw-dropping $1,099,735.94 on April 23 while playing alongside her husband, and casino officials say it is the largest slot-machine payout the property has awarded since it opened. The windfall follows a tough year for the couple, as Tammy said her husband underwent a major medical procedure nearly a year ago.
According to KCRA, Tammy hit the seven-figure prize on an IGT Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Big Money machine after placing that $3 wager. KCRA also reports that she visits Sky River about three times a month and was on the casino floor with her husband when the machine lit up and paid out the monster jackpot.
Winner's reaction
Tammy told the casino in a news release that at first she figured the slot had to be off: she initially thought she had won about $12,000, which she said “would have been great” on its own. Then the screen started filling with zeros, and reality set in. Sky River President Michael J. Facenda called the moment “incredibly touching” and said Tammy’s story underscores that behind every jackpot is a real person, per KCRA.
Sky River's recent streak
Tammy’s seven-figure score is the latest big hit at the relatively new Elk Grove casino. Earlier this year, Sky River paid out a record $700,503.60 on a Triple Diamond progressive, according to a record $700K jackpot. That outlet noted the casino has logged multiple six-figure wins while simultaneously expanding its gaming floor and parking garage.
How the 'Cash Link' game works
IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Cash Link titles are part of wide-area progressive systems that can climb into seven-figure territory, and Sky River added versions of those Cash Link reels to its floor last year. In a Sky River announcement, the property said the Ultra Link/Cash Link wide-area progressive can reset at around $1.125 million, which helps explain how a modest $3 bet can trigger a massive payout; see the casino’s release for more details: Sky River Casino.
Tammy said the win means she can “spoil” her husband and dust off their long-discussed plan to move to Maui, a dream that started after a previous vacation. The casino said it is thrilled for the couple, and the jackpot adds another high-profile highlight as Sky River continues rolling out new games and amenities.
