FireKeepers Casino Guest Hits $1.3M on Blackjack Side Bet

A $5 side bet turned into a seven-figure win for an Indiana man at FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek. The guest, identified as Anthony W., was playing blackjack when the casino’s Bonus Spin Xtreme feature triggered a “must-hit” progressive jackpot.

According to FireKeepers officials, the jackpot hit during a regular hand of blackjack. The system activated when the dealer’s first two cards showed a hard 16, which is one of the random “triggering events” built into the Bonus Spin Xtreme system. Once triggered, a set of three virtual wheels spun to determine the prize amount of $1,376,465.30.

Bonus Spin Xtreme, developed by gaming company AGS, is an optional progressive side bet that can be played on blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, and baccarat tables at FireKeepers. The feature uses a community prize wheel, a hot-spot wheel, and a hot-spot prize wheel to generate bonus outcomes, all of which add pooled progressive potential for players placing the side bet.

“This jackpot is a perfect example of the excitement and big moments our progressive table games can deliver,” said Steve Senk, Vice President of Gaming Operations at FireKeepers. “Moments like this are why we design our tables and experiences to keep the energy high and the possibilities endless for every guest.”

While the jackpot was triggered on Anthony’s hand, the system is designed so that any qualifying hand on any participating table can randomly activate the progressive – meaning a win could come from any eligible player, on any round, across a range of games.

Anthony’s reaction was wholesome; the first thing he did was call his mom. In a video released by the casino, he’s heard telling her, “We are out of the hood.” Then, with clear excitement, he added, “We’re leaving tomorrow.”

The jackpot ranks among the largest progressive table-game payouts in FireKeepers Casino’s history. Owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, the Battle Creek casino has leaned into high-payout, player-driven features through its partnership with AGS – known for designing popular slot and table titles like Rakin’ Bacon, Colossal Diamonds, and Golden Wins.