Washington State

Gambler scores at Western WA casino. Learn about ‘needle-in-a-haystack win’

One lucky gambler scored a “needle-in-a-haystack win” at a Western Washington casino.

The gambler won more than $85,000 at Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel in Tacoma, casino officials announced in a Friday, Feb. 20, Facebook post.

The gambler placed a $10 bet on the Triple Fortune Dragon Gold slot machine to nab an $85,934 payout in a “mic-drop moment,” according to casino officials.

“Triple Fortune Dragon Gold just went full legend at EQC Tacoma!” casino officials said. “Who needs a fairy tale when you’ve got a fortune dragon on your side?”

Social media users shared in the celebration.

Facebook user Saada Tae said they were “there to witness” the slot jackpot win on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

“Dude was so calm!” the Facebook user wrote in a comment on Emerald Queen Casino’s post. “If it was me you would have heard me yelling in Seattle. Congrats to him.”

“A needle-in-a-haystack win! Doesn’t happen enough,” Facebook user Char Isma wrote.

Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel in Tacoma.
Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel in Tacoma. Brian Hayes bhayes@thenewstribune.com

What is Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel in Tacoma?

Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel is at 920 East R St. in Tacoma.

Advertised as the “entertainment capital of The Northwest,” the casino has 4,400 slot machines and various table games ranging from blackjack to roulette.

In addition to a four-star hotel, the casino has several restaurants.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 9:52 AM with the headline "Gambler scores at Western WA casino. Learn about ‘needle-in-a-haystack win’."

Julia Hawkins
The Bellingham Herald
Julia Hawkins joined The Herald as a service journalism and general assignment reporter in December 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Western Washington University in Bellingham.
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