Forget flowers and chocolates, a Coffs Harbour couple celebrated their Valentine’s Day like no other – winning more than $76,000 in Keno last night.
The Mid North Coast players held a Keno Classic 8 Spot winning entry in draw 333, drawn Sunday 13 February 2022. Their total prize was $76,367.50.
This morning, an official from Keno reached out to the winning pair, who admitted their heart skipped a beat when they scored the 8 Spot prize.
“We decided to go out for dinner last night for an early Valentine’s Day treat, as we’re both busy tonight,” the winning woman explained.
“We went and ordered some dinner and played some Keno while we were waiting. I was watching the draw, but at first, I thought I’d only matched seven numbers - which I was stoked about.
“But then it flashed up on the screen that someone had won $76,000, so I checked the numbers again and sure enough, they all matched.
“These numbers are very special to me, so I instantly knew I’d won when I checked them again.
“I could hear everyone around us talking about the win. They just kept saying, ‘Wow! What a lucky person! Good on them!’
“My husband wanted to be pretty discrete about it, so he just kept saying to me, ‘Don’t get too excited. Act calm. Look out the window. Don’t smile too much.’ It was hilarious!
“After we had dinner, we bought a really nice bottle of wine to celebrate at home in private. I’m not sure how we’ll top this Valentine’s Day next year - it was awesome!
“I really want to use the prize to buy a caravan so we can travel around the country together. That’s been a dream of ours for years and years.
“We’ll use a bit to spoil our kids and grandkids too.”
Their winning entry was purchased at Park Beach Bowling Club, 60 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour.
Park Beach Bowling Club CEO Thane Duncan said the entire team was delighted for the winning lovebirds.
“Having some of our patrons win a big Keno prize is always amazing and generates such a positive atmosphere in the venue,” he said.
“It was so exciting when the win went off. Everyone in the venue was cheering for the winners and no doubt, hoping they’re next to win a big prize.
“To hear that the couple won while celebrating their Valentine’s Day is just so lovely as well. We’re stoked for them!
“We’d love to congratulate the winning duo. We hope they enjoy their prize.”
In the 12 months to 30 June 2021, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 64 million wins collectively worth more than $853 million.