It was the first day of school across the province, but it was also the first day of a brand new life as a millionaire for a lucky Clifford man who just won $1.1 million.
Earl Marquardt, 79, won the million dollar plus slot jackpot playing one of 14 MegaBucks progressive slot machines that morning at Casino Rama.
The married father of two and grandfather of eight had been playing for only a few minutes, having wagered just $20, when the winning combination came up after his fourth spin.
Marquardt seemed overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what his immediate plans for the windfall are for the money.
“Might buy my wife a new house” he said, adding “If she wants one.”
A man dedicated to community service, Marquardt rushed off to collect a patient at an area hospital as part of his weekly volunteer duties.
“We bet that Mr. Marquardt buys the coffees on the way from the hospital this trip,” quipped Harry Oshanski, president of Casino Rama. “We’re thrilled to celebrate another large slot jackpot win with a loyal customer.”
This $1.1M dollar win marks the sixth time the MegaBucks jackpot has been won at Casino Rama – last August a Toronto man won $1.7 million, and the $9 million Canadian slot jackpot record was won on March 23 2008 by a Toronto woman.
Casino Rama offers over 2,500 slot machines, more than 110 gaming tables, ten unique restaurants, and a 5,000 seat entertainment centre.
