A Walgett man was left reliving his youth in more ways than one over the weekend after his 40-year school reunion delivered him a $270,000 Keno win.
The northern New South Wales player held a winning Keno Classic 9 Spot entry in draw 537 on Friday 23 August 2024. His total prize was $271,329.40.
The gleeful man relayed how the win came to be when an official from Keno called to confirm the life-enhancing news.
“I was at a 40-year school reunion when it happened,” he said.
“I had a great weekend. We had a fun time acting young again.
“I wasn’t watching the draw, but we all saw the screen which said someone in the venue had won. We couldn’t believe it when we realised it was me.
“It certainly livened the weekend.
“I’ve been playing the same numbers for over 15 years. I was almost thinking I should change them but I’m glad I didn’t!
“It will come in good use. I’ll be able to pay off some bills and do some other nice things.”
His winning entry was purchased from Vandenberg Hotel, 7 Court Street, Forbes.
Vandenberg Hotel manager Nick Gunn said the team were over the moon to have sold a winning Keno entry.
“We’re thrilled. It was an amazing way to cap off an already fantastic night,” he said.
“The local school reunion was on, so the venue was already buzzing with excitement and that just made the night even better.
“Congratulations to the winner from the whole team. It was great to be a part of their win on Friday and we wish them all the best with their prize.”
In 2023, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 67.31 million wins collectively worth more than $1 billion.
During this time, Keno crowned 21 millionaires and multi-millionaires who collectively took home more than $51.5 million. Eleven of these major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, including a Shelly Beach dad who scored a $5.92 million windfall.
Players in New South Wales and the ACT enjoyed more than 36.33 million Keno wins totalling more than $529.1 million across the region in 2023.