Matthew works for their family business—at Live Land Hermit Crabs and Painted Shells—where they sell souvenir items at Sharkheads in Biloxi and other shops in the Gulf Coast.
He traditionally goes to a trade show in Galveston, Texas every October of every year. Each time he does, he also stops by Beau Rivage Resort and Casino to play. This year was the same.
It was Friday between 7:30 and 8 in the evening when he went to the casino. He decided to play the $1.50 Tarzan Aristocrat Wide Area penny progressive slot, which is the slot machine he usually plays.
“I love playing that game. It’s just fun to play. There’s a lot of bonuses,” Matthew said.
He wasn’t that long into the game when he hit the jackpot: an eye-popping $501,243.64! How’s that in exchange for your penny?
Although the machine wasn’t as loud as the others are when players hit the jackpot, Matthew knew he hit because the coins in the slot machine just went crazy. The other players in the area noticed and stood around him while a casino staff came over to check.
“I was in shock…I tried to call my family but nobody answered,” Matthew revealed. His family didn’t learn of his half-million-dollar win until the following day.
When asked what he plans to do with his winnings, Matthew said he wasn’t sure. He said he would like to pay off his house and then possibly take a cruise.
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