A BUDGEWOI man who joked he won a major Keno prize was shocked to discover he'd won $51,000 at Halekulani Bowling Club on Saturday.
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"I was just having some dinner and playing the pokies with my son," the man told Keno officials who confirmed his win.
"I wasn't even watching the draw. Someone came up to me and said someone won the prize and I said to my son 'I bet it's me', as a joke.
"But then I checked my ticket and I actually did win. I was dumbfounded. I couldn't believe it! I was so happy."
The man held a Keno Advanced winning entry in game 390.
"We celebrated that night with a few drinks. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face," the man said.
"I told everyone at work today about my win and they're so happy for me! It's certainly a great win and a nice surprise."
When asked how he planned to enjoy his winnings, the man admitted he needed some time to decide.
"I'm not too sure what I will do with my prize," he said.
"I will probably invest most of it and put it towards my retirement."
Halekulani Bowling Club duty supervisor Denise McMahon said the club was thrilled that one of their patrons had won $51,000.
"How fantastic for the winner and how wonderful for the club. It will give us the exposure that we need to let people know that you can win anywhere there is Keno," she said.
"The atmosphere was very exciting. When the winner found out it was him, he jumped up and down yelling 'yahoo' and talked about retirement. Our staff member who checked his ticket was just as excited as he was, making the moment even more memorable.
"Our patrons will be very excited when they find out, knowing that maybe next time it will be them. Our club would like to offer our congratulations to the winner, he really deserves it."
A spokesperson for Keno said that in the 12 months to June 30, 2019, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia had celebrated more than 64 million wins collectively worth more than $853 million.
"During this time, Keno crowned 17 millionaires and multi-millionaires who collectively took home more than $47.2 million," the spokesperson said.
Keno players can also enter into the monthly second chance draw for the chance to win $10,000 by scanning their ticket at win.secondchance.keno.com.au.
