Denny Hamlin Cashes In $211,000 on Buffalo Slot Machine Before Hitting the Track
Denny Hamlin just proved that winning in Vegas isn’t limited to the racetrack. Before even turning a lap at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the NASCAR star hit the jackpot at the casino, walking away with $211,000 on Friday night.
The 44-year-old driver shared a clip of the big moment, and let’s say his reaction was as electric as a last-lap battle. Jumping out of his seat, yelling in disbelief—Hamlin looked every bit the part of a jackpot winner.
Who Needs a Trophy When You’ve Got $211,000?
Denny Hamlin turned the casino into his personal victory lane over the weekend. On Friday, he hit a $126,000 jackpot on Buffalo Aristocrat Slot Machine. Not satisfied, he came back Saturday and pocketed nearly $86,000 more.
By Sunday, former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace did the math, estimating Hamlin’s total at $211,000 and asking if there was more. Hamlin’s mic-drop response?
“330 Kenny.”
Win or Lose, Hamlin Leaves Vegas a Winner
Hamlin’s weekend was a financial success, but something tells me he’d rather trade those winnings for a checkered flag, as his luck with the slots didn’t carry over to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
A speeding penalty on pit road sent him to the back of the pack, and he finished the race in 25th place. This result dropped him five positions in the standings, leaving him 12th place for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.
Hamlin Joins a Club of Big Slot Winners
Hamlin’s win may be impressive, but it’s not the biggest slot jackpot we’ve seen in recent months. Back in August 2024, poker pro Allen Kessler pulled off a $1.2 million win of Buffalo Aristocrat Slot machine at Thunder Valley Resort & Casino in Northern California.
Kessler, known for his careful approach to gambling, took an all-or-nothing risk—betting $125 per spin for a 12-hour marathon session. At one point, he was down $12,500 before hitting the jackpot, proving that persistence can pay off in spectacular fashion.
Tana Karn, a prominent poker player and the CEO of RunGood Gear and the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS), a renowned mid-major poker tour, is also an enthusiastic fan of slot games, with Buffalo Slot being a firm favorite.
With poker earnings exceeding $19,000, Karn's passion for gaming extends beyond the poker table, where he finds excitement and enjoyment in the immersive experience Buffalo Slot offers. On 'X,' he shares his enthusiasm, delighting in the opportunity to spin the reels at Hollywood Casino St. Louis.
Hamlin’s Big Win Came on a Fan-Favorite Slot
Buffalo is one of the most iconic slots in the industry. Known for its wild multipliers, free spins, and massive potential payouts, Buffalo has been a go-to choice for players looking for a big win.
With its unmistakable "Buffalllooo!" call and high-energy gameplay, it’s the kind of machine that keeps players—and NASCAR drivers—coming back for more.
Why You Should Play Buffalo Slot
Buffalo slots are popular for their big payouts and jackpots, especially with exciting bonus features like free spins, wilds, and multipliers. These features add an element of strategy and unpredictability, making the game more engaging.
The wild and scatter symbols enhance the potential for large wins by unlocking bonus rounds and triggering free spins. Set in the American wilderness, the game's nature-themed visuals and soundscapes immerse players in a unique gaming experience.
With high volatility, it offers the potential for significant, though less frequent, rewards. Available in both land-based and online casinos, Buffalo slots are accessible to a wide audience, making them a great choice for those seeking exciting gameplay and high-reward moments.
The table below shows the key information you should know before playing:
| Aspect | Buffalo Slot |
|---|---|
| DATE LAUNCHED | 2008 |
| SLOT MANUFACTURER | Aristocrat |
| THEME | Wildlife |
| JACKPOT | 300x bet |
| NO. OF REELS | 5 |
| NO. OF PAYLINES | 243 |
| RTP | 94.85% |
| MIN. BET | 0.01 |
| MAX. BET | 40 |
