The forecast is looking hot for Helen Davies, who is taking her incredible $544,542 Fortune’s Heat winnings and heading to Mexico with family to soak up some sunshine and celebrate.
Helen was at the Cash Casino Calgary on Wednesday night to celebrate her daughter’s birthday with dinner and a show, when she decided to play the Fortune’s Heat province-wide progressive slot.
The 61-year-old from the Municipal District of Foothills says she was shocked when she found out she’d hit the jackpot.
“You’d think I’d be so excited that I’d scream or jump around, but it was like I was in a trance,” she says.
“I was absolutely flabbergasted. I said to my daughter, ‘I’m glad you were born – you gave me good luck!’ This money is like a gift from heaven.”
When Helen called her husband from the casino to share the exciting news, he didn’t believe her.
“My husband was already in bed,” she laughs. “I said, ‘Why would I call you to wake you up if I was joking?’”
Helen already had a Mexico trip planned with two of her daughters and her sister, and says she will share her good fortune by paying for their vacation.
“I’m going to celebrate by getting on the plane to Mexico. I’m retired and this money will also help my husband and me pay off our mortgage. I also want to travel and give some money to my kids.”
In Alberta, net proceeds from vlts, electronic bingo, lottery tickets and slot machines like Fortune’s Heat are placed in the Alberta Lottery Fund.
Last year the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis contributed $1.5 billion to the fund. This money is used to support thousands of volunteer, public and community-based initiatives each year. Whether you visit a health facility, attend a cultural event or check out a book at a local library, gaming dollars are often at work behind the scenes, making a positive impact in the lives of all Albertans.
When playing Fortune’s Heat, always remember to know your limit and play within it.
See photos from Helen’s cheque presentation on the AGLC Facebook page.