National

$1.3M casino winner makes emotional call to mom. ‘We’re leaving tomorrow!’

A man from Indiana won a historic $1.3 million casino prize at a Michigan casino.
A man from Indiana won a historic $1.3 million casino prize at a Michigan casino. FireKeepers Casino Hotel

A man won a life-changing prize at a Michigan casino — and he couldn’t wait to tell his mother.

Firekeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek said in a Sept. 5 social media post a man named Anthony won what is believed to be the largest jackpot in the casino’s history.

Playing the Blackjack Triple Diamond Progressive game, Anthony won a massive $1,376,465.30 prize, according to the casino.

“This is one for the record books!” the casino said.

Casino officials said Anthony, from Indiana, placed a $5 Bonus Spin Xtreme side bet “when the mystery ‘must-hit’ progressive was randomly triggered,” leading to his “history-making payout.”

Celebrating beside the blackjack table, Anthony then made an emotional phone call to his mother.

“Mama, we are out the hood!” he is heard saying in a video shared to social media. “We’re leaving tomorrow!”

Bonus Spin Xtreme is available at several table games at the casino, offering players an additional way to win big. On a blackjack game, it is triggered when the dealer’s first two cards form a 16.

“Moments like this are why we design our tables and experiences to keep the energy high and the possibilities endless for every guest,” Steve Senk, vice president of gaming operations at FireKeepers Casino Hotel, said in a news release.

Battle Creek is about a 65-mile drive southeast from Grand Rapids.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Read Next
Read Next
MS
Mike Stunson
Lexington Herald-Leader
Mike Stunson covers real-time news for McClatchy. He is a 2011 Western Kentucky University graduate who has previously worked at the Paducah Sun and Madisonville Messenger as a sports reporter and the Lexington Herald-Leader as a breaking news reporter. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER