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A California man walked into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, one of the most popular NJ casino destinations, sat down at a video poker machine, placed a $500 bet and walked away with a $400,000 jackpot.
One hand was all it took for his Sunday morning to go from ordinary to unforgettable when the machine lit up at exactly 11:57 a.m.
The royal flush thrill that keeps NJ casino players hooked
The win came on Double Double Bonus Poker, one of the go-to video poker games on the Game King machine by International Game Technology (IGT). The California guest was dealt a royal flush, the rarest poker hand — and just like that, the jackpot was his.
Double Double Bonus Poker is loved because it gives players more chances to hit big with bonus payouts on four-of-a-kind hands. The gameplay is simple: Place a bet, get five cards, and decide which ones to keep before drawing new ones. Land a strong hand, and you get paid according to the paytable.
While luck rules the day, smart choices on which cards to hold can tilt the odds in your favor. That mix of decision-making and chance is what keeps players hooked.
If you’re heading to an NJ casino and planning to try Double Double Bonus Poker, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always check the paytable, since different machines may have slightly different payouts.
- The game has higher volatility, which means bigger swings compared to other video poker versions.
- Video poker strategy matters. Choosing the right cards to hold can improve your odds over time, though luck ultimately decides the outcome.
From slots to poker: Huge Hard Rock Casino jackpots keep coming
Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City has had other big winners recently. Here are a couple that show how these moments feel for real players:
- In August 2025, a guest won $205,500 on the Gong Gong Lai Fu Mighty Buddha slot machine (Aruze Gaming) playing with a $5 denomination. The casino’s statement called it a “big weekend jackpot” and said the guest was “thrilled” with the win.
- In March 2023, a video poker player hit a $200,000 payout on the Five Star Poker slot machine by IGT. The winning hand was a royal flush in Clubs at about 2:30 a.m. The casino reported that the jackpot payout was “immediately displayed on the machine” and that people nearby heard the machine ring.
These stories are more than just numbers. When the casino says “immediately displayed on the machine,” you can almost feel what the winner felt — shock, joy and disbelief. They’re reminders that it’s not only the dollar amounts but also the moment, the surroundings and the reaction that make these wins unforgettable.
