Winner Winner Chicken Dinner The legend tells that years ago every casino in Las Vegas had a three-piece chicken dinner with a potato and a veggie for $1.79. A standard bet back then was $2, hence when you won a bet you had enough for a chicken dinner. !”
To win something, usually of small importance, as in a carnival game. The phrase is used to signify the value of the prize. As in a chicken dinner can be had for the same value.
Carny: "Step right up folks... See if you can knock these milk jugs over."
Man: "I'll give it a shot!" (throws hardball style, hits and knocks down the jugs)