A Maryborough couple went from lunch to la-la land after winning more than $109,000 in a game of Keno, on just their third time playing.
The chirpy Queenslanders scored the Keno Mega Millions 8 Spot jackpot in draw 683, drawn Monday 18 August 2025 and took home a total prize of $109,048.
When an official from Keno called the pair, they were still basking in the excitement.
“It’s incredible! We’re still soaking it all in,” the winning husband said.
“My wife and I were out with her mum and partner, and it took quite a surprising turn!
“They’re visiting at the moment, so funnily enough, I left work just for that lunch, and I’m glad I did.
“It’s very exciting. I’m surprised an ambulance wasn’t called!”
The winning man wasn’t the only one stunned by the news, with his wife adding that she and her mum almost toppled over in disbelief.
“Mum and I both had a silent heart attack! I couldn’t eat or do anything. I was just in total shock,” the winning wife added.
“It’s so random. I only just learnt the game rules recently.
“I caught up with a friend a couple of months ago, and I had never known how to play Keno until she showed me, and we put a game on together.
“Since then, I’ve only played one other time, so this was only my third time playing. It’s just crazy.
“My stepdad was the one who saw someone in the club had won $109,000. It was only later, when I checked the ticket, that I realised it was us!”
Their winning Keno Mega Millions entry was purchased from Maryborough Services Club, 163-175 Lennox Street, Maryborough.
Maryborough Services Club operations manager Chris Strochnetter said he and the team were thrilled to sell a major prize-winning Keno entry.
“Happy days! It was a big surprise when it happened. Everyone was very excited,” he said.
“We’ve sold a few major prize-winning Keno entries over time, but this is the biggest one in a few years.
“Congratulations to the winner and all the best with your prize!”
In 2024, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 76 million wins collectively worth more than $1.19 billion.
During this time, Keno crowned 23 millionaires and multi-millionaires who collectively took home more than $54.9 million. Ten of these major winners were Queenslanders, including a Crows Nest man whose favourite numbers scored him $5.5 million.
Queenslanders enjoyed more than 26.9 million Keno wins totalling more than $461.2 million at pubs and clubs across the state in 2024.