Casino City’s Friday Five: Record contests and record jackpots edition

Hitting a million-dollar jackpot is a life-changing moment in itself, but winning the very first one that a casino pays out is extra special. That was what took place in New York, but we also have some other top news, including another huge win out of Maryland, a former college basketball player violating betting rules, a massive upgrade to an Illinois property, and Circa Sports releasing record payouts for its upcoming NFL contests.

Let’s begin with some history in NYC:

5. Resorts World New York City sees historic jackpot
Resorts World Casino New York City announced its first $1 million jackpot winner after a New York City resident struck it big in the early morning hours on 14 May.

At approximately 1:00 a.m., the guest won $1,009,357 while playing the Million Dollar Dragon Link progressive slot machine, becoming the first player in the property’s history to surpass the $1 million mark on a single jackpot payout.

The seven-figure payday occurred just more than two weeks after Resorts World opened the first commercial casino in the city’s 400-plus-year history.

Congratulations to one of our Genting Rewards members who discovered a #WorldLikeNoOther after hitting a massive $1 MILLION jackpot on #Aristocrat #DragonLink during just their second visit! ????

Gambling Problem? Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY 9467369). Must be 21+ to gamble. pic.twitter.com/PlytHA3IAy
— Resorts World New York City (@ResortsWorldNYC) May 15, 2026

4. $2.6 million Pai Gow jackpot at MGM National Harbor
A Prince George’s County resident was dealt the hand of a lifetime on Monday at MGM National Harbor in Maryland winning $2,669,714 on Face Up Pai Gow.

3. Former college player violated NCAA betting rules
Former Abilene Christian men's basketball student-athlete Airion Simmons violated sports betting integrity rules when he knowingly provided information to individuals involved in sports betting activities and agreed to manipulate his performance during an Abilene Christian men's basketball game, according to a decision released by the Division I Committee on Infractions.

Simmons is no longer a member of the school's men's basketball program and is not currently competing in NCAA college sports.

In one instance, Simmons reported meeting someone in a Dallas parking lot to get cash for his role in throwing the game. Simmons received the cash and did not pay the other student-athletes with whom he had conspired.

2. Fairmount Park Casino and Racing adds live table games
Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Illinois recently invested nearly $3 million and hired 35 new employees to introduce live table games to its casino, marking another major expansion for Illinois’ only “racino.”

When Fairmount Park was remodeled in 2025, the space featured only electronic table games and slot machines. General Manager Vince Gabbert said bringing table games to the floor was a huge goal for the track, and now they’ve made it a reality.

Gabbert said the new additions feature some of the world’s most recognizable casino games, including blackjack, poker, mini baccarat and roulette.

1. Circa’s NFL contests returning with record payouts
Circa Sports is redefining the professional football contest landscape with another historic, record-setting season. Circa Survivor, Circa Million VIII and Circa Grandissimo will raise the bar yet again with a combined guaranteed prize pool of $30 million – the largest in contest history – all with no rake.

Circa Survivor is back and bigger than ever for the 2026-2027 football season, with a payout of $20 million guaranteed for the last entry standing, while Circa Million VIII will deliver $6 million guaranteed, with a $1 million first-place prize that comes with a Circa Sports blue jacket.

The $100,000-per-entry Circa Grandissimo will return for its second year with a $4 million prize for the last entry standing. Each contest’s pool is no rake, and any additional entries that exceed the guarantee will enhance the pool’s winnings.

Last year, five winners of Circa Survivor, who all went 20-0 during the 2025-2026 season, took home the largest prize pot in history of $18,718,000, with each winning entry receiving $3,743,600. $6.9 million was split between Circa Grandissimo winners and $1 million was awarded to the Circa Million VII winner.

Football Season starts 9AM Friday May 22 @CircaSports!! https://t.co/3hQ2qmiLGb pic.twitter.com/A2Vwq4NP0a
— Derek Stevens (@DerekJStevens) May 19, 2026