A 53-year-old Ontario housewife claimed the largest Canadian slot jackpot ever after winning close to $9 million on Saturday night.
Anna Falco, who lives just north of Toronto, had been playing the popular Megabucks Wide Area Progressive slot machines Saturday night at Casino Rama.
After nearly an hour on the machine, Falco hit the jackpot -- winning exactly $8,920,622.89.
"Bells and whistles were going off, the crowd quickly amassed around her," said Casino Rama's Jenna Hunter. "...There was just a lot of excitement."
Players on the machine must bet a minimum of $1 but Falco was wagering $3 a spin to qualify for the jackpot, reports the Toronto Star.
The jackpot starts at $1 million and builds until there is a winner.
"When we called our two daughters to share the good news, they thought we were kidding," Falco said in a press release put out by the casino. "One even called back to make sure we were serious!"
Falco and her husband Franco plan to share the money with family and friends.
"The Falcos are longtime customers of Casino Rama and we're delighted to be a part of this life changing event with them," Harry Oshanski, president & CEO of Casino Rama, said in the press release.
Falco's prize marks the fourth time the Megabucks jackpot has been won at Casino Rama.
A Toronto woman won over $1.8 million in 2002. In 2005, a local Orillia woman won over $2.1 million and a Sudbury man won $1.2 million.
