Not all of the big action happens on The Strip, just ask the lucky gambler who hit it big at Durango Casino Las Vegas.
This fortunate player, identified only by their first name, Elizabeth, made headlines when they walked away with a $115,742 jackpot from playing Pai Gow Poker, a game that combines elements of poker and the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow.
The post's description read: "Best way to start your week? Winning $115,742 on a 7-card straight flush playing Pai Gow! Congratulations, Elizabeth!"
How Rare is This Pai Gow Poker Hand?
Hitting a seven-card straight flush is a feat that is second only to a royal flush in rarity.
Achieving a straight flush in Pai Gow Poker means lining up all seven cards in sequential order and of the same suit. In this case, the winning cards were an ace, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and a joker that cleverly played the role of a 3.
And the odds of hitting a natural seven-card straight flush are estimated at 0.00000021%.
It's rare, but not uncommon, including two players who hit consecutive seven-card straight flushes, at a Reno casino. There was another person who hit a big progressive jackpot playing Pai Gow Poker on Star Wars Day.
And there was another player who won a half-million dollars playing Pai Gow while visiting his grandkids.
History of The Durango Casino Las Vegas
Durango Casino & Resort sits about a 10-mile drive southwest from the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking the thrill of gaming.
It actually has an interesting history.
Station Casinos bought the land for it back in 2000, and the area was intended for a casino as far back as 1997. However, when Station Casinos planned to build a large hotel and casino there in 2004, some locals pushed back. Still, the plans got approved, but with some limitations on how big it could be.
When the economy took a hit in 2008 and Station Casinos filed for bankruptcy in 2009, the project was put on hold. However, the company kept the land, aiming to build there eventually.
By 2021, as the economy improved and Las Vegas was growing fast, Station Casinos revived the project through its parent company, Red Rock Resorts. They started constructing the site in early 2022, even though building costs were high.
Finally, on December 5, 2023, the Durango Casino & Resort opened its doors. The resort features a modern design inspired by the desert and includes a large 83,000-square-foot casino, a 15-story hotel, several restaurants, a pool area, and lots of event spaces. It's the first major resort by Station Casinos since 2006 and caters to both locals and tourists who want to explore beyond the famous Strip.
Always Practice Responsible Gambling When Playing Pai Gow Poker
While stories like these capture the excitement and allure of casino games, it's important to recognize the potential downsides. Gambling can be a harmless pastime for many, but for others, it can lead to addiction, impacting lives and families, so it's critical that everyone practices responsible gambling habits.
Las Vegas remains a city of dreams, where fortunes can change with the turn of a card, as Elizabeth just found out.
