A generous Shoalhaven Heads grandfather has proven family comes first after winning $100,000 in a game of Keno and immediately turning his thoughts to his children and grandchildren.
The New South Wales resident scored the Keno Classic 8 Spot jackpot in Keno draw 792, drawn 28 July 2025. He can look forward to a magnificent $103,004.90.
When an official from Keno called to confirm the prize, the winning man was still basking in the excitement.
“I’m good today!” he laughed.
“It’s my first major Keno win and I think it’s one of the first big wins for the town!
“If you’ve got a ticket, you’re in with a chance, that’s it!
“It’s a great prize. I had no idea I’d won because I left the venue and went home without checking my ticket.
“I remembered later and scanned the ticket before bed. It was pretty shocking. You just don’t expect it!”
When asked how he planned to use his newfound treasure, the gleeful grandad shared he looked forward to spoiling his nearest and dearest loved ones.
“I’ll get the grandkids some presents and help out my kids,” he said.
“I’ll get up to some mischief too. I wouldn’t mind a holiday, and it’ll help with retirement.
“Thank you very much!”
His winning Keno classic entry was purchased from Heads Bowlo, Shoalhaven Heads Road, Shoalhaven Heads.
Heads Bowlo general manager Doug Callum said the team was thrilled to hear the winning news.
“It was very exciting, especially when we saw the prize had cracked six figures!” he said.
“Everyone was buzzing and couldn’t believe the dollar amount. We’ve got a staff’s birthday on Thursday so we might get an extra cake to celebrate the Keno win too.
“We’ve sold a few 8 spots over the past few years, but around the $30k mark each time, so this one is huge!
“Congratulations to the winner. Enjoy it and soak it in!”
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. Eleven of these major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, including an East Maitland dad who scored a $6.6 million windfall.
Players in New South Wales and the ACT enjoyed more than 38.9 million Keno wins totalling more than $599.2 million across the region in 2024.