A birthday party at Lemon Tree Passage Bowling Club last Saturday night turned into a bigger than expected celebration for a Port family who won a $250,000 Keno jackpot while having dinner.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One of the 12 winners, a 66 year old Port Stephens pensioner who did not wish to be identified, said the win had changed her life and meant so much to her family, which included her sister, brother, sister in law and the nephew whose birthday they were celebrating.
“We’re all just so thrilled by it. I’m just so ecstatically happy; we’re all so happy,” she said.
“I’m very grateful to have the money. It’s the first time in my whole life that I’ve ever had any money.”
The winner explained that the family had played Keno as a syndicate previously and decided on the spur of the moment to buy the Kwikpik ticket for 10 games, playing 40 numbers.
She said they missed the moment that 20 out of 40 of their numbers came up, winning them $250,000.
“We were there for my nephew’s birthday party and we were having dinner,” she said.
“There’s no screen in the restaurant area, so I thought I had better check the ticket before we go.
“I went to check the ticket with my sister-in-law. I was in shock when they told me. We all went into shock. It’s an absolute miracle.”
Following the news, the family returned to one of their homes to celebrate the win.
The winner plans to use her share of the cash prize to pamper myself and will give some money to a charitable organisation.
Keno’s general manager, Terry Fowler, congratulated the family and wished them all the best.
“Keno loves hearing stories like this, where a fun family night out can become something so much more,” Mr Fowler said.
NSW players win more than $36 million on average every month playing Keno in pubs and clubs around the state.