Jakarta, ThedailyID — A traveler waiting for a flight at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas won a US$3.3 million jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine.
Instead of visiting a café or browsing airport shops, the passenger decided to test his luck before boarding. The traveler, identified only as Anthony, placed a US$10 bet on the machine.
Moments later, he hit the progressive jackpot worth US$3.3 million, or nearly Rp60 billion.
Airport officials announced the win on social media on Monday.
“Congratulations to the lucky traveler who won a US$3.3 million jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at LAS Airport’s C Gates last weekend,” the airport said.
Harry Reid International Airport is one of only two major US airports that allow passengers to gamble inside the terminal. The other is Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Las Vegas, known as the world’s entertainment capital, offers hundreds of slot machines throughout its airport terminals. Travelers can play while waiting for departures or connecting flights.
According to Fox News, Airport Slot Concession, owned by businessman Michael Gaughan, operates more than 1,000 slot machines at the airport.
The machines generate tens of millions of dollars every year. In turn, that revenue helps offset airport operating costs and reduces some airline-related expenses.
Anthony joins a growing list of lucky travelers.
In May 2025, another passenger won US$1.8 million after placing a US$5 bet on a Wheel of Fortune machine.
Earlier, in 2023, another traveler collected a US$1.4 million jackpot at the same airport.
However, Anthony will not receive the full amount immediately. Although Nevada does not tax gambling winnings, the prize is still subject to a 24 percent federal tax withholding.
Even so, the latest jackpot reinforces Las Vegas’ reputation as a city where fortunes can change instantly—even before passengers board their flights.
