A Canadian lottery player’s head was spinning when he realized how much he had won. And it wasn’t the only thing that kept on turning.
Richard Resener of Fort Nelson, BC, was stunned when he scored the $348,841.12 jackpot on the Jackpot Festival 88 Fortunes slots game on BCLC’s PlayNow.
Resener was eating lunch at home when he won the life-changing sum.
“I spun a few times and then I realized that the last two reels continued to spin,” he explained. “I saw the fourth reel match the first three wheels… And then the fifth reel continued to spin until it also matched.”
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality resident was a new player to the game, so it took a moment for the meaning of the game’s fanfare to sink in.
“My first thought was, ‘Am I playing in Demo Mode?’ And then I thought, ‘Is this really happening?’” Resener said.
“I didn’t know that I won the jackpot prize until my screen filled with fireworks and a rapidly climbing dollar amount.”
Resener took a photo of his phone screen and called his mother to share the good news. She actually helped explain to him that his windfall was much larger than he initially thought.
“She says she heard me say I won $48,000. She said, ‘That’s really good. Congratulations!’ I told her I’d send her a photo of the win and hung up the phone. My mother phoned me back after she received my text and said, ‘Oh, my God! That is not $48,000!’”
Resener was still skeptical about the win for three days until the claim process was complete.
He added that the jackpot represents “opportunity and responsibility,” and that he plans on using his winnings to help his family, fix up his home and prepare for retirement.
“I really want to build a beautiful garden and greenhouse. I have always wanted to tour our province to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and learn more about the rich history that we all have.”
Resener also plans to celebrate by inviting close family members and colleagues to “a nice dinner where they can order anything on the menu.”
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, you can find resources here.