TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2024) – Something mysterious and lucky was certainly in the air at Pechanga Resort Casino on Halloween night. Not one but two Southern California guests scared up six-figure jackpots with $2.00 side bets on progressive jackpots playing table games at the Temecula casino.

 

Darin Dabalack of Santa Ana told Pechanga Resort Casino staff he came to Temecula on Halloween for a wedding taking place Friday, November 1. He and his wife arrived to Pechanga a day before the nuptials so Darin and other members of the family found a blackjack table with five open spots they could all play together for a little while Halloween night. He said some family members left the table, though he stayed to play a total of about 45 minutes at the Blazing 7s Blackjack table. With a $25 wager and an additional side bet of $2.00 toward the table’s progressive jackpot, Darin summoned ghoulishly great luck. This conjured up a jackpot of $171,541.23.

Dabalack told Pechanga staff his own daughter is engaged and he’ll use some of his winnings to pay for her “I Dos.”

Earlier on October 31, another winner took some time to head into Pechanga Resort Casino to play Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em after playing his first round on the golf course at Journey at Pechanga. The guest from Fullerton, Calif. also put down a $2.00 side bet to try to win a progressive jackpot. With his main wager and the side bet, not only did the winner uncover a royal flush, but also took home a big treat of $207,228.78. He told casino staff he was luckier in the casino than on the golf course.