Rancho Cucamonga resident turns $5 wager into nearly $2 million jackpot

HIGHLAND, Calif. — Sept. 14, 2026 — A lucky Rancho Cucamonga resident struck it big at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, winning a nearly $2 million progressive jackpot while playing Ultimate Texas Hold’Em. This massive payout is the latest major table games jackpot awarded at Southern California’s premier gaming destination.  

The guest placed a $5 progressive wager and hit a rare five-card royal flush in diamonds, the top qualifying hand in the Ultimate Texas Hold’Em progressive jackpot. The winning hand resulted in a $1,977,758 payout.  

“There is nothing more exciting than seeing one of our guests experience a win of this magnitude,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “A $5 wager turning into nearly $2 million is an incredible outcome, and it reflects the energy, anticipation and unforgettable experiences our team strives to deliver every day across our gaming floor.”  

This jackpot adds to a growing list of major payouts awarded at Yaamava’ during its milestone 40th anniversary year. In August, two Club Serrano members split a $1.24 million progressive baccarat jackpot, and a Los Angeles resident won a $1.2 million jackpot from a $100 bet in March, further showcasing the resort’s reputation for delivering substantial table game wins.  

With nearly $4.5 million in major table game jackpots awarded this year alone, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino continues to deliver the thrills, rewards and premier gaming experiences that have made it Southern California’s premier gaming destination. For guests across the region, the next big winner could be just one hand away.

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort Sweep USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards

Sister properties earn top honors in the categories of Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, Best Las Vegas Casino, Best Casino Hotel, Best Casino Restaurant, Best Casino for Slots and Best Players Club

HIGHLAND, Calif. — Sept. 2, 2026 — Together, Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel and Palms Casino Resort earned the highest honors in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, securing six top rankings across the nation's two premier gaming destinations. Yaamava' captured Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, Best Casino Hotel, Best Casino Restaurant, Best Casino for Slots and Best Players Club, while Palms Casino Resort was named Best Casino in Las Vegas for the third consecutive year.

Yaamava' Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort were nominated by a panel of experts that included editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, relevant industry contributors and other Gannett media sources.

Chosen through nationwide public voting, the awards underscore the continued success of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation's gaming and hospitality portfolio. Across Southern California and Las Vegas, Yaamava' and Palms deliver award-winning experiences, connected through Club Serrano's shared loyalty platform and a commitment to exceptional guest service, dining, gaming and entertainment.

The recognition for Yaamava' Resort & Casino comes during its milestone 40th anniversary year. Four decades after opening its doors, the property, the only AAA Five Diamond casino resort in the country, continues to build upon its legacy as Southern California's premier destination for best-in-class gaming, hospitality and entertainment.

“Winning across every category in which we were nominated is a tremendous honor, especially during Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s 40th anniversary year,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. “These recognitions reflect the passion of our team members, the loyalty of our guests and the vision of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. We are grateful to everyone who voted and proud to continue setting the standard for exceptional gaming, hospitality, dining and entertainment experiences.”

In Las Vegas, Palms Casino Resort continues to redefine the guest experience as the first casino resort wholly owned and operated by a Native American tribe. The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a government instrumentality of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, acquired Palms Casino Resort in 2021. Since joining the portfolio, Palms has strengthened its position as one of the city's premier gaming and entertainment destinations, earning Best Casino in Las Vegas for a third consecutive year.

“Earning the title of Best Casino in Las Vegas for a third consecutive year is an incredible honor and a direct reflection of our team's commitment to delivering memorable experiences every day,” said Kevin Glass, General Manager of Palms Casino Resort. “Las Vegas is one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, which makes this recognition from guests especially meaningful. We're proud to continue elevating the Palms experience while building on our unique legacy as the first Native American-owned and operated resort in Las Vegas.”

Together, Yaamava' and Palms bring their 'California to Vegas Connection' to life through the Club Serrano loyalty program. Members can earn and redeem rewards across both destinations, as well as Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, California. Club Serrano offers access to exclusive promotions, VIP experiences, luxury accommodations and gaming offers.