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A $1 million jackpot is now live and waiting to be claimed at The Mint Gaming Hall in Franklin, KY. The operator announced on May 20 that the jackpot at its Kentucky Downs location had crossed the seven-figure mark.
It is the first gaming hall jackpot in Kentucky history to reach $1 million since historical horse racing (HHR) machines were introduced at the state’s tracks in 2011. The previous record at any Mint property was $780,307, set at Kentucky Downs in 2019.
How the jackpot works
Only two machines on the main floor at The Mint Kentucky Downs are linked to this jackpot. They are the Venus Gold and the Fire of Horus. To qualify to win the grand prize, you must place the maximum bet on both machines.
Note that the jackpot runs on a closed, two-machine link. As a result, its outcomes do not affect the rest of the gaming floor. All other machines at the property remain active and eligible for their own payouts.
Mint Gaming Hall Marketing Director Jeff Miller called it a landmark moment for the company. He said a prize this large will change someone’s life. Miller said it is a moment the entire team will remember. He added that everyone at The Mint is excited to see who wins it.
A year of large payouts
This record-setting jackpot is not the first of its kind. The Mint has paid out tens of millions of dollars across its four Kentucky locations so far in 2026. Several wins have exceeded $100,000.
The largest payouts this year have come from properties near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. A player won $389,000 at Kentucky Downs in March. Another player secured a $220,300 win at the Williamsburg location in February.
Other notable payouts from the first quarter of 2026 include:
- $173,600 at Kentucky Downs (March)
- $107,000 at Williamsburg (March)
- $145,000 at Kentucky Downs (February)
The frequency and size of these wins tell a clear story. The gaming operation has grown considerably since machines first appeared in Kentucky. Annual wagering figures have risen sharply since HHR gaming halls took off, and player interest continues to increase.
Venue expansion across the commonwealth has followed.
The Mint’s place in Kentucky’s gaming market
The Mint Gaming Hall operates four locations in Kentucky, all situated near the state’s border with Tennessee. These locations are:
- Kentucky Downs in Franklin
- Bowling Green
- Williamsburg
- Cumberland Run
Franklin serves as the flagship location for The Mint. The venue offers historical horse racing, simulcast wagering, and a Circa Sports sportsbook. The property also features The Mint Event Center and a SpringHill Suites by Marriott.
Kentucky Downs was among the first venues in the state to launch HHR machines, introducing them in 2011. Since then, the sector has expanded to include multiple operators and thousands of machines statewide.
The Mint has positioned itself as one of the more prominent names in this sector. Its four locations make it accessible to players seeking high-stakes opportunities near the Kentucky-Tennessee line.
The $1 million jackpot gives the operator a new distinction in a growing market. No gaming hall in Kentucky has previously offered a prize at this level. It is a first for the state’s regulated HHR industry.
What comes next
The jackpot remains active and open to any qualifying player who visits The Mint Kentucky Downs. The operator has not announced a deadline for the prize.
Players interested in visiting can find information on all four Mint Gaming Hall locations at themintgaming.com.
