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A longtime guest’s routine visit to Thunder Valley Casino Resort became a historic night when he won more than $1.1 million playing Face-Up Pai Gow Poker on Wednesday, July 15.
The Lincoln, California, casino announced that the player won a $1,131,400 jackpot, marking the first time a table game player reached the million-dollar milestone in the resort’s history. The winner, whose name was not released, was visiting Thunder Valley with his wife, who officials said are longtime guests of the property.
California offers one of the nation’s largest tribal casino gaming markets. Players can legally enjoy poker in person at tribal casinos and licensed cardrooms, but lawmakers have yet to authorize regulated online poker.
Face-Up Pai Gow Poker delivers milestone win
According to Thunder Valley Casino Resort, the jackpot came from a Face-Up Pai Gow Poker hand. The game is among the table offerings available at the resort and features progressive jackpot opportunities tied to qualifying hands.
The United Auburn Indian Community-owned casino has operated in Placer County since 2003. The latest win represents a new milestone for the property, which has previously awarded large slot jackpots but had never recorded a table game payout exceeding $1 million.
The winning guest’s first plans after the life-changing payout were surprisingly modest. He told casino officials he wanted to replace a broken garage door before celebrating with his wife over dinner at the resort’s High Steaks Steakhouse.
California’s Thunder Valley Casino honors historic moment
Thunder Valley General Manager Dawn Clayton said excitement spread throughout the casino floor after the winning hand was confirmed.
“Everyone was cheering for them,” Clayton said, adding that longtime guests often become part of the casino’s extended community. She said the couple’s plans to handle a household repair and enjoy dinner together reflected their personalities.
United Auburn Indian Community Chairman John L. Williams also celebrated the milestone, saying the couple’s longtime connection to Thunder Valley made the achievement especially meaningful.
According to a Fox40 news report, Williams said the casino was proud to recognize its first $1 million table game winner but noted that the couple’s humility made the moment even more memorable.
Big jackpots highlight 2026
The Pai Gow Poker win followed several other notable jackpots at Thunder Valley this year. Earlier in July, an out-of-state visitor won $604,597 on a Monopoly-themed slot machine after a single spin, according to previous reporting.
While large jackpots are rare, Thunder Valley officials said moments like these highlight the memorable experiences that longtime guests and staff share at the resort. The $1.13 million Pai Gow Poker payout will now stand as a landmark moment in the casino’s history.
