A Barooga man has turned a family hangout into a $51,000 payday, rounding up his loved ones to each pick two numbers for his Keno ticket that landed him the jackpot win.
The Murray resident scored the Keno Classic 8 Spot jackpot in draw 344, drawn Saturday 12 April 2025 and looks forward to a total prize of $51,775.90.
The New South Welshman admitted he doesn’t play Keno regularly but enjoys the occasional game over lunch to pass the time.
“I can’t believe it!” he exclaimed.
“I can’t wait to cash the cheque in – I’m very excited.
“I’m not a massive Keno player. I was waiting for lunch surrounded by my family, and I decided to put a game of Keno on while I waited for the food to arrive.
“I asked everyone at the table to pick out two numbers. Funnily enough, one of them went and played golf that morning and chose the number on his golf cart.
“We were so shocked when I won! It made the day super memorable.
“We one hundred percent celebrated that day. Being with family made the win extra special.
“Thank you so much.”
With over $51,000 about to boost his future plans, the thrilled winner said he’s eager to put the prize towards a new car and share the rest with his nearest and dearest.
“My car is ready to blow up, so that’s the first thing I’ll be doing – replacing the car,” he shared.
“Then I’ll give some to my family. I’m going to be wise with it.”
The winning entry was purchased at Sporties Barooga, 12 Burkinshaw Street, Barooga.
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.