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A regular Saturday night family dinner has turned into a life-changing celebration after a Gilles Plains clan scored a $1.87 million Keno jackpot.
The South Australian family held a Keno Spot 10 winning entry in draw 260704 834 on Saturday 4 July 2026, taking home a total prize of $1,879,079.30.
The winning entry was purchased at the Highlander Hotel at 647 North East Road, Gilles Plains.
The family had gathered for their usual weekly meal when their long-standing Keno tradition delivered an extraordinary result.
“We normally play Keno on a Saturday night when the family goes out,” one of the winning family members explained.
“We sit down at the table, get a Keno coupon and everyone gives some numbers to make up a Spot 10,” he explained.
“It was the same scenario this time. We just did our numbers and settled in for dinner.”
At first, the family did not realise the jackpot had gone their way.
“We saw the Keno jackpot go back to $1 million and thought, ‘Oh no, someone’s won it!’. So, we just kept sitting there eating.
“But then one of the hotel staff came around and said, ‘Have you got a Spot 10 ticket? You might want to check it. Someone’s won the jackpot here!’.
“It was all a bit of a shock! We hadn’t even finished our dinner. Actually, we weren’t even hungry after that!
“It was just one of those chance things! But it proves you’ve got to be in it to win it!
“It’s a family win, so we’ll divide it up between us.
“For me, the first thing I’ll be doing is paying off the mortgage.”
Highlander Hotel venue manager Jo said the win had created a huge buzz at the Gilles Plains venue.
“Everyone was super excited and happy for the winner,” she said.
“Congratulations to them. All the best and thank you for supporting the hotel!”
