Chandler Veteran Wins $1M Wheel of Fortune Jackpot at Gila River Casino

Michael H., an Army veteran and retired American Airlines employee from Chandler, Arizona, won a $1,033,590 jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Gila River Casino Santan Mountain after a last-minute cancellation by their dog sitter changed their weekend plans. The couple, who usually gamble on Sundays, went a day earlier and hit the casino instead of going on a planned vacation to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. This jackpot is the fourth-largest ever awarded at Gila River casino properties. Michael now works as a shuttle driver for a senior living community and plans to use the winnings to buy a new home and spend more time with their grandchildren. The story highlights how unexpected changes can lead to life-changing outcomes and illustrates the human side behind big casino wins. The couple chose to remain mostly anonymous except for first names to avoid unwanted attention while sharing their joyful experience.