Del Mar Thoroughbred Club | San Diego's Premier Horse Racing, Dining & Events Venue

I was just killing time on a Thursday afternoon, figured I'd play a few spins before heading to the track. My daughter had just started college and I was worried about her tuition payments. Hit the bonus round on my fourth spin and couldn't believe what I was seeing on the screen. My hands were shaking so bad I could barely call over the attendant. I called my wife right away and we both started crying—we're using most of it for her remaining semesters, and taking a trip to Cancun with what's left over.

Been playing blackjack at Del Mar for about eight years, usually just a weekend thing. That night I was on a decent run, nothing crazy, just steady wins. Got to about $12,000 ahead and a younger dealer came on shift. I decided to ride it out instead of cashing in, and somehow kept catching 19s and 20s. Six hours later I'm walking away with nearly 90 grand. My wife thinks I'm insane but we're finally getting our kitchen remodeled like we talked about for years.

Entered the Saturday tournament on kind of a whim—$500 buy-in. I'd been studying poker online for months after losing my job in October, needed something productive to focus on. Made it to the final table around 2 AM and stayed calm when everyone else was getting agressive and sloppy. Final hand was against this guy who'd been dominating, but I caught my flush on the river. The whole room erupted. I'm using the money to go back to school for data analysis, which I should've done years ago.

My mom passed away three months before and I was still really struggling. A friend dragged me out to try something diferent, get my mind off things. I was at the roulette table almost by accident, not really thinking about it. Put a small bet on my mom's birthday number just as a little tribute to her, and it hit. I literally had to sit down. The money felt like a sign somehow, like she was looking out for me. I'm using it to start the community garden project she always dreamed about.

My buddy always swears by Buffalo Gold, so when he came to visit from Phoenix we went straight to Del Mar. I wasn't expecting much, just wanted to hang out with him. Third machine I tried about twenty minutes in, suddenly everything lines up. Kept thinking it had to be a glitch or something. Cashed out and we celebrated with an expensive dinner that night. Using half for his next visit and a new truck, putting the rest away for my daughter's wedding next year.

Three Card Poker isn't my usual game but the table looked fun and the dealer was making everyone laugh. I played for about an hour, staying even mostly. Then this one hand I decide to make a side bet on the pair plus—honestly just wanted to feel like I was doing something interesting. Got a straight and the table went crazy with me. Nobody expected that outcome, especially not me. Taking my grandkids to Disney in March and that's basically paid for the whole trip.