Casino City’s Friday Five: World Cup parties, revenue records and jackpots edition

The saying goes, “records are meant to be broken,” and that remains true in the casino industry as U.S. commercial gaming saw a record year of revenue in 2025. In addition, we have a $2 million jackpot winner at a California casino, a double-jackpot hit in Atlantic City, a Northern California casino opening its doors, and Las Vegas bracing for the World Cup.

Let’s begin with two newly minted millionaires in AC:

5. Hard Rock Atlantic City sees two jackpots create millionaires
A guest from Island City on Long Island won a weekend jackpot of $1,362,883 on a Dragon Link Panda Magic slot machine, after betting $50 on the lucky machine, which has a $2 denomination.

The next million dollar-plus win came during a game of Three Card Poker at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City, when a guest from Wayne, New Jersey, wagered $5 on a progressive side bet and hit a royal flush, claiming $1,043,287.

Both winners chose to remain anonymous.

4. $2 million slot win hits at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel
A resident of Orange County struck big at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, winning a $2,067,415 jackpot from a $50 bet.

The massive jackpot hit on 16 February while the guest was playing one of three $2 Million Dragon Link Panda Magic slot machines. This marks the first time the Grand Jackpot was hit on the $2 Million Dragon Link at Yaamava’.

$50 in, a HUGE $2,067,415.73 out for this Orange County resident. ?? pic.twitter.com/9lvuJJceNs

— Yaamava' Resort & Casino (@Yaamava) February 18, 2026

3. Acorn Ridge Casino officially opens in Plymouth
Acorn Ridge Casino in Northern California opened its doors to the public on Tuesday.

The 60,000 square foot property boasts an outdoor entertainment venue, a full gaming experience with 484 slot machines and 12 table games, as well as a farm-to-fork dining experience at the casino’s flagship restaurant, Stone Creek Kitchen.

“From the moment our guests arrive, our goal is to offer them an experience that feels familiar in the best way,” said Jake Zaneta, General Manager of Acorn Ridge Casino.

2. US commercial gaming revenue sets record in 2025
The U.S. commercial gaming industry reached a record high in 2025, generating $78.72 billion in gross gaming revenue, a 9.2% increase over the previous year, according to the American Gaming Association’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. In 2025, legal, state-regulated gaming generated $18.09 billion in gaming tax revenue, up 15.1% over last year.

Land-based casino gambling generated $50.94 billion in revenue, up 2.3%, while contributing $11.33 billion in taxes, a 7.2% increase.

Sports betting revenue rose to $16.96 billion, a 22.8% increase, on a total handle of $166.94 billion (+11%). State-regulated sportsbooks generated $3.71 billion in taxes, up 32.4% year-over-year.

iGaming reached $10.74 billion in revenue (+27.6% ) and delivered $2.59 billion in taxes, a 36.9% increase.

1. World Cup fans can score big in Las Vegas
As excitement builds for this summer’s global tournament from 11 June to 19 July, Las Vegas is ready to welcome fans with exclusive hotel offers designed for soccer fans looking to stay, watch and celebrate every match in true Vegas fashion.

Circa Resort & Casino’s World Soccer Championship Getaway includes a two-night stay, a $100 dining credit, a $100 beverage credit and a complimentary daybed at Stadium Swim valid for one day.

MGM Resorts features up to 25% off room rates with its Las Vegas Fabulous Football Sale during the Global Football Tournament.

Plaza Hotel and Casino’s Fabulous Football All-Inclusive Package includes daily breakfast and dinner, bottomless drinks, waived resort fee and discounted appetizers and drinks with offer code ALLINCF.