California

Player hits ‘grand’ slot machine jackpot on $2.50 bet at Hard Rock Casino

By Don Sweeney

February 17, 2026 8:38 AM

A gambler at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Sacramento hit a $120,000 jackpot on a $2.50 bet on a slot machine, casino officials reported.

The player hit the progressive jackpot on a “Dragon Link” machine on Feb. 5, the resort said in a Feb. 15 news release.

“Life changing Jackpot congrats,” read one comment on the casino’s Facebook post.

“Wow what a jackpot,” read another comment.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is at 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland, a little more than 30 miles north of downtown Sacramento.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

This story was originally published February 17, 2026 at 8:38 AM with the headline "Player hits ‘grand’ slot machine jackpot on $2.50 bet at Hard Rock Casino."

Don Sweeney

The Sacramento Bee

Don Sweeney has been a newspaper reporter and editor in California for more than 35 years. He is a service reporter based at The Sacramento Bee.