The jackpot from the virtual one-armed bandit represents the first seven-figure win for an online player in the state of New Jersey, where online gaming went live on Nov. 26, 2013. It also ranks as the third-largest gaming prize awarded to a player in New Jersey this year, including land-based casinos and online.

Online gambling was hoped to help struggling casinos in Atlantic City gain new customers and revenue, but growth has been slow, bringing in only $100 million, or 10 percent, of the $1 billion state officials expected in its first year.

Ruela said she started playing at HarrahsCasino.com in February.

“I was just in a little bit of shock when it hit,” Ruela said. “You know when I’m at Harrah’s Atlantic City, there’s bells ringing and people all come over, and it gets verified by a staffer right there. So when it hit on HarrahsCasino.com, I stared at the computer screen for a moment trying to digest it all. But I’m happy to report it indeed is the same as in the physical casino, and even better I got to celebrate in my pajamas at home.”

Her family will use the money to pay off their mortgage, set up a college fund for their son and go on a winter vacation.

“It’s going to be a great Christmas for our family,” she said.

“It’s an awesome feeling to give away life-changing money to our customers,” said HarrahsCasino.com Vice President Adrian Bailey. “New Jersey has a great history with gaming and we’re thrilled for Cathy to have HarrahsCasino.com be part of this historical first for the regulated online gaming in the United States.”