Imagine kicking off the new year with a life-changing surprise.
That’s exactly what happened to an anonymous man from Quincy, Massachusetts, who snagged a whopping $1,620,335.70 jackpot at Encore Boston Harbor on New Year's Day.
It’s the biggest single win in the history of the resort and casino located just outside Boston.
Although the winner wishes to remain anonymous, Encore Boston did post a picture on its Facebook page of the winning table shortly after the excitement subsided.
The post's description read: "One very lucky guest just won $1,622,335. A truly unforgettable, life-changing moment! Huge congratulations to our winner."
Some of the page's followers commented. One person said: "Great way to start the new year! Congratulations." Another person added: "Wow, Happy New Year to you! Congratulations.'
The win happened on the same day another person landed a massive windfall at Gila River Resort Casino with an extremely rare poker hand.
The Unbelievable Win Playing Royal 9 Baccarat
This incredible win happened through a game called Royal 9 Baccarat Progressive—a unique and rare side bet offered on baccarat tables.
In this game, you place an optional $5 wager, hoping the cards dealt will match a specific combination like a Royal 9. A Royal 9 is when one of the hands (either Player or Banker) receives a 9 paired with a face card (King, Queen, or Jack) in the first two cards. If your seat’s combination hits the jackpot, you could win the full progressive prize, which grows as more players participate.
When it comes to casino gaming, hitting the Star Royal 9 jackpot is like finding a needle in a haystack. The odds are mind-bogglingly rare—closer to 1 in nearly 3 billion hands! That’s why the jackpot can grow so large, reaching the seven-figure mark, as people try their luck while the prize continues to build.
Encore Boston Harbor's Record-Setting Jackpot
This massive win didn’t just happen overnight.
Reports show the jackpot had been climbing since mid-December 2025, nearing the $1.6 million mark. That's how progressive jackpots work. The casino spokesperson described it as a “record-setting win,” adding to the holiday excitement at the resort.
Encore Boston Harbor, a hub for high-stakes gaming, is spread across 210,000 square feet, featuring over 2,700 slot machines and nearly 200 table games. With this environment, it’s a place where dreams can come true, though the odds of hitting the big one remain extremely long.
Why Players Try Their Luck With Baccarat
While the jackpot is a distant dream, players often try their luck for the fun and thrill of smaller, more achievable wins.
Even if the Star jackpot is almost unattainable, smaller wins, like a 9 paired with any face card, happen more often and can still provide a nice payout ranging from 25 to 5,000 times your bet.
In the end, whether you're playing for fun or hoping for that once-in-a-lifetime win, baccarat at Encore Boston Harbor offers excitement for players. For this lucky man from Quincy, 2026 started with an unforgettable moment.
While everyone might not walk away a millionaire, this story goes to show that sometimes, just sometimes, the stars align, and fortunes are made against the odds.
Just remember, if you ever decide to gamble, always exhibit responsible gambling habits like setting limits and never gambling more than you can afford.
