A Budgewoi man who joked he won a major Keno prize was shocked to discover he did in fact win, taking home a $51,000 prize on the weekend.
The New South Wales patron held a Keno Advanced winning entry in game 390 on Saturday 18 January 2020, taking home $51,000.
Confirming his exciting windfall with a Keno official this morning, the man explained how he discovered his prize.
“I was just having some dinner and playing the pokies with my son,” he shared.
“I wasn’t even watching the draw. Someone came up to me and said someone won the prize and I said to my son ‘I bet it’s me’, as a joke.
“But then I checked my ticket and I actually did win!
“I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy.
“We celebrated that night with a few drinks! I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
“I told everyone at work today about my win and they’re so happy for me!
“It’s certainly a great win and a nice surprise.”
When asked how he planned to enjoy his fun money, the stoked bloke admitted he needed some time to decide.
“I am not too sure what I will do with my prize,” he explained.
“I will probably invest most of it and put it towards my retirement.”
The winning Keno entry was purchased at Halekulani Bowling Club
Halekulani Bowling Club Duty Supervisor Denise McMahon said the club was thrilled one of their patrons won $51,000.
“How fantastic for the winner and how wonderful for the club. It will give us the exposure that we need to let people know that you can win anywhere there is Keno,” she said.
“The atmosphere was very exciting. When the winner found out it was him, he jumped up and down yelling ‘yahoo’ and talked about retirement. Our staff member who checked his ticket was just as excited as he was, making the moment even more memorable.
“Our patrons will be very excited when they find out, knowing that maybe next time it will be them.
“Our club would like to offer our congratulations to the winner, he really deserves it.”
In the 12 months to 30 June 2019, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 64 million wins collectively worth more than $853 million.
During this time, Keno crowned 17 millionaires and multi-millionaires who collectively took home more than $47.2 million.Nine of these major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, including a Newcastle man who pocketed the biggest Keno jackpot in Australian history - a Keno Mega Millions 10 Spot prize worth $7,898,799.30.
Players in New South Wales and the ACT enjoyed more than 34.19 million Keno wins totalling more than $472.51 million at pubs and clubs across the region in the 12 months to 30 June 2019.
Keno players can also enter into the monthly second chance draw for the chance to win $10,000 by scanning their ticket at win.secondchance.keno.com.au.