Gianna Sandelli of Lowell, Mass. recently won $198,508 playing Blackjack at the Nash Casino. Courtesy photo/THE NASH CASINO

NASHUA – The Nash Casino recently awarded $198,508 to Blackjack player Gianna Sandelli of Lowell, Mass., who triggered the jackpot by placing an optional $5 side bet.

Sandelli’s win comes on the heels of what is believed to be the state’s largest progressive jackpot – $233,490.95 – awarded to Pai Gow player Anthony Hom in February.

During progressive Blackjack and other games, players may make an optional $5 side bet for the chance to win a cash prize shared between more than 20 tables contributing to the prize pool.

The progressive system, Bonus Spin Xtreme, triggers a chance for a player to spin a prize wheel whenever the dealers’ first two cards equal 16 in Blackjack and Spanish 21. Prizes range from $25 to the Triple Diamond jackpot, which dispenses the entire shared progressive pool to the player who spun the wheel. Since that pool regularly consists of 20 tables or more, the prize money can grow significantly.