In a turn of events that can only be described as extraordinary, Joseph Nardello, a Connecticut resident, has had a stroke of remarkable luck in Las Vegas. Earlier this month, Nardello turned a mere $5 into an astonishing win of nearly $2 million at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The victory came about through the Millionaire Progressive, a unique betting option that allows customers to place a $5 side bet while engaging in various table games across the Venetian and its sister property, the Palazzo casinos.
On May 10, Nardello was playing Three Card Poker at the Venetian when he was dealt an incredibly rare spade royal flush. This hand not only led him to unlock the mega tier of the Millionaire Progressive but subsequently allowed him to bet an additional $5 and seize the opportunity of a lifetime. This combination resulted in him winning a staggering sum of $1,904,062.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, in a news release, elaborated on how the Millionaire Progressive enhances the gaming experience for its patrons. Available across multiple table games, including Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Let It Ride, Crazy 4 Poker, and Mississippi Stud, this feature has added a layer of excitement and potential for colossal wins since its inception in 2018. The Millionaire Progressive has certainly lived up to its name; in just a little over four years, it has created 14 millionaires—including Nardello.
For those not familiar with the Millionaire Progressive, it works as follows: Players, while participating in any of the eligible table games, have the option to place a $5 progressive side bet. This side bet positions them to win not just on their hand of cards but also to potentially unlock the progressive tiers that lead to life-changing sums of money. The top tier, known as the mega tier, is triggered by specific rare hands—like the spade royal flush that favored Nardello on his fortunate day.
As Joseph Nardello walked into the Venetian Resort Las Vegas that day, he could not have imagined that a routine gaming session would morph into a historic windfall. His win is now part of the Millionaire Progressive’s illustrious narrative, adding a new chapter to the stories of ordinary individuals striking it extraordinarily rich on the Las Vegas Strip.
The win highlights not only the sheer unpredictability and exhilaration inherent in casino gaming but also underscores the allure of the Millionaire Progressive. Patrons of the Venetian and Palazzo casinos have increasingly gravitated towards these games, enticed by the potential for significant payouts. The structure of these games allows for everyday high-stakes excitement, where a nominal $5 bet can result in life-altering fortunes.
For individuals seeking to try their luck and test their skills, the variety of games available means that there is something for every card enthusiast. Whether it’s the tactical nature of Ultimate Texas Hold’em or the balanced blend of luck and strategy in Three Card Poker, the options cater to diverse gaming preferences while maintaining a unified appeal through the Millionaire Progressive.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has consistently been at the forefront of innovating the gaming experience, ensuring that both regulars and newcomers are drawn to its tables. With the Millionaire Progressive, they have successfully integrated an additional layer of engagement, driving not just participation but also fostering a sense of community among the players who share in the anticipation and thrill of the progressive draws.
For Nardello, the nearly $2 million windfall is more than just a sum of money; it is a life-altering event that echoes the promise of Las Vegas—the promise of fortune waiting to be discovered amidst the shuffle of cards and the roll of dice. His story will undoubtedly inspire many, serving as a shining example of the incredible possibilities that a single bet can unlock.
As patrons continue to file into the Venetian and Palazzo casinos, dreams of megawatt jackpots and millionaire status fuel the ambiance, each player hoping that Lady Luck may favor them next, much like she did for Joseph Nardello on that auspicious day in May. Indeed, the saga of luck and fortune on the Las Vegas Strip continues, with every new game carrying the potential to create another millionaire.
Saleen Martin reports for USA TODAY’s NOW team and is based in Norfolk, Virginia. Follow her updates and stories on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or reach out via email at [email protected].
