Resorts World New York City has this month crowned its first millionaire, after a customer triggered the significant payout while playing one of the venue's 2,500+ slot machines. Retail and online casino games developer & slot machine manufacturers, Aristocrat Gaming, saw its Million Dollar Dragon Link slot award precisely $1,009,357.41 to the player.
According to the operator, the jackpot landed at 1:00am on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The winning individual - who wishes to remain anonymous - is a New York resident.
The Australian-headquartered company launched the title in 2021 as part of a retail partnership with Seminole Gaming, following the success of the original Dragon Link product.
Now, with Resorts World being New York City's first-ever commercial casino, the slot game has secured its status in local history.
Prize triggered during free spins bonus round
In a statement published on the official Resorts World New York City website, the operator confirmed that a customer - who works in Manhattan - triggered the prize after initiating the game's free spins bonus.
During the bonus, the grid filled with 15 coin orb symbols which culminated in the Million Dollar Dragon Link Grand Jackpot being activated.
In addition to the Grand Jackpot, the player also collected rewards from the slot's Grand Progressive Meter, as well as prizes distributed through earlier free spins.
Resorts World also verified on X (formerly Twitter) that the winning customer is a Genting Rewards Member - and that this windfall had arrived on just their second visit to the newly-launched casino.
The post accompanied a photograph of the winning slot terminal, which showcased that the player had funded at least $1,506 for this particular gaming session, at the minimum of $25 per wager. Bets for Million Dollar Dragon Link range between $25 and $2,500.
A 'monumental moment' for NYC
Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio lauded the jackpot result as a momentous occasion for the state of New York:
"This is a monumental moment not only for one incredibly lucky New Yorker, but for Resorts World New York City and the entire state," outlined DeSalvio.
DeSalvio, who has represented Resorts World since 2019, continued: "Jackpots like this create excitement for our players while also reinforcing the positive economic impact gaming has on New York City and New York State. When our guests win big, New York wins big."
The landmark result comes as Resorts World continues its phased launch of the Big Apple's first foray into the regulated commercial casino industry. Once complete, the venue is estimated to host over 6,000 slots, 800 live gaming tables and 2,000 hotel rooms, as well as premium suites for high-stakes customers.
Project completion is forecast for 2031, with fellow licensees Bally's and Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park - expected to launch by 2030.
