A Dulwich Hill man will never forget the thrilling moment his Keno numbers came up while surrounded by his nearest and dearest – delivering him a life-enhancing $119,000 win.
The regular player scored the Keno Classic 8 Spot jackpot in draw 696, drawn Sunday 17 June 2024 and takes home a total prize of $119,419.50.
“I’m stunned,” he shared when an official from Keno called this morning to confirm the windfall.
“I got myself a drink and sat down with my friends to watch a game.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw my numbers come up. It was all very exciting.
“It’s a lot of money for me. I’ve won $20,000 before but $119,000 is next level.
“We all celebrated a bit. I had bought my friends some celebratory drinks, but we had to cut it short because it was Sunday evening and we all had work the next day.
“It was an exciting evening for sure. The staff were super excited for me.”
With $119,000 about to boost his bank account before the financial year ends, the New South Welshman had paying off his mortgage as his top plan for his prize.
“My friends keep telling me to go on a holiday, but I think I’d like to be wise and pay down my mortgage with the prize," he explained.
“Thank you so much, Keno.”
His winning Keno Classic entry was purchased at Gladstone Hotel, 572 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill.
Gladstone Hotel spokesperson John McGurk said they were thrilled one of their patrons had scored a major Keno prize.
“After our patron won, the excitement in the venue was infectious – it felt like we had all won,” he said.
“There’s nothing more exciting for the team than seeing someone local take home a huge prize. We’ve been celebrating ever since.
“We congratulate our winner and have absolutely no doubt they’ll enjoy their Keno fun money.”
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.
Keno players can also enter into the monthly second chance draw for the chance to win one of five $1,000 prizes by scanning their ticket at win.secondchance.keno.com.au.