How I won around 115,000$ in ONE day at an Indian Casino! (Winstar).

Zac Seif

Dormant account
Joined
Jul 31, 2013
Location
Dallas, Texas, United States
Hey guys! I'm new to this Forum. I have lots of questions regarding gambling and some of the games. I figured I'd open with what happened JUST last week then ask for them guidance! I know this story might be kind of long, so sorry.

A little about me first. I work full time at a store called Tiger Direct. I'm a technology supervisor there. Every few months, I love going to Choctaw or Winstar (the two closest casinos to me). I have been to AC and Vegas once, but I couldn't afford to go out there and don't know enough about gambling to feel confident in going. Everytime I have gone, I have left losing a few hundred dollars. Last January, I attempted suicide when my best friend died. It's been a really hard year for me. I was in a car wreck two months ago which rendered my car useless. I only had basic insurance so it wasn't covered under anything. I'm in Dallas Texas and the busses here are very sub par. I've learned to get around with my bicycle. I was struggling to make ends meet.

So, two weeks ago, I decided I wanted to try my luck at a Casino. All my bills were covered for the month, I had some extra money, so I figured "why not?". I had to ride my bike 20 miles to get to the closest Win Star casino Bus route pick up. I started riding my bike that direction, stopped at an ATM, pulled out my 500$, then continued on my path. I finally got in the bus and started heading that direction. Being 22, I was the youngest person on the bus. There were mostly older people on the bus. I got to talking to them and had a nice trip. 120 minutes later, we arrived at the Casino (This was a Saturday). Keep in mind, I'm not a great poker player, I don't know much about BlackJack, I'm just kind of a noob at all this stuff.

First, I sit down at a slot machine. I figured I would do a few big bets first then just bet 50c or something. I put in a crisp 100$. The slot was named "Zues III". I do a 10$ bet and the lights started going off. I triggered some sort of feature on the first spin. Everything lit up! There is something on the game, where if you get a Zues on the screen, the Zues locks and it tries to lock all of them. I locked ALL the Zues's during my first bonus which was at X2 pay! I ended up winning 1500$ on my VERY first spin. I immediately wanted to leave. I now had 2000$, more than I could have dreamed to make! The bus didn't leave for another 5 hours and I knew I couldn't be there not playing for that time. I ended up going to another slot machine.

This slot was named "Texas Tea." I did very poorly at this slot. It took 50$ and left me with nothing. At this point, I'm starting to remember that this is what it's usually like with Slot Machines. I walked over to a "Quick Hit" machine and sat down there. I spoke with one of the workers on the floor. He told me the Quick Hit machines have high progressive jackpots and that they haven't had a winner in a long time. I trusted him and sat down. I was doing 1.50$ bets. Over the next two hours of sitting down there, I managed to break even. I brought my bet up to the max, which was 4$. The machine started eating my money.. I lost 200$ pretty quick. I was about to leave, but I decided to put another 100$ in the machine. I'll stop for a second to say, I know, I know - stupid. It's really hard though - once you win big, you get this feeling that you are going to win big again. I realize this is how Casino's make most of their money but at the time I couldn't rationalize that.

So anyway, I put another crisp 100$ in the machine. I'm eagerly hitting the "Max Bet" button. I wasn't hitting anything. I was down to my last 10$ and I hadn't hit ONE thing off that 100$. I told myself that this was it, if I don't make anything now, I'm done. I hit the spin button and boom! I had a FULL SCREEN of quick hit buttons. Every single row had "Quick Hit" on it. I did not read the rules properly so I wasn't sure how much I actually won. The machine started going crazy and people started surrounding me. The meter that had my win amount on it was shooting so high and fast that I didn't know what was going on. I kept looking.. Did I win 12,000$? Did I win 12000$? A lady behind me screamed out "You won 120,459$!!". I was in utter dis belief. I got so happy that I almost blacked out from being happy.

They had someone come and inspect the machine. A fellow, who looked like the Winstar Manager, along side with 4 other employees, greeted me and congratulated me. I printed my voucher (lol) and followed them. They came to discuss payout options with me. There was a large tax deduction, but I still got 97,000$. They asked me if I wanted a check, cash or a little of both. Sweating with tears of joy, I told them I wanted a check for 95,000$ and wanted to keep 2000$ in cash. I was just completely amazed. It seemed like a miracle! They took a picture of me with a large check! (I haven't gotten to see the picture yet - I'm told it will be online mid-august) and there was a video crew. They asked me a few questions then sent me on my way. I felt like a Rockstar. I just couldn't believe it.

I still had 2 hours until it was time to leave. I had about 3800$ in cash on me, as well as my personal check in my wallet. I have never had 3800$ cash all at one time, let alone a large check. I figured that I was really lucky today - or God just liked me today. I figured I would gamble some of the cash I had in my hand since the day had been so fruitful. I was walking around, looking at games, trying to blend in the background. A few people would walk up to me, congratulate me, etc. I wasn't really worried about having the money on me because I figured Casino's would have the best security there. I walked up to a Blackjack table- the "high roller" table at Winstar. I took all my cash, got chips for it, and played against the dealer. I was the only one sitting at the table.

Now I remember my best friend, before he passed, was a BlackJack player. I remembered one thing he said about the game. He told me that he would always double his bet if he lost, that way he would get back in the game. I figured that would be my only strategy going into the game. I played 400$ hands. I won't go into insane details, but in about two hours, I won another 10,000$. I got several blackjacks, and seemed to beat the dealer almost every time. When I went to cash in my chips, the cashier was looking at me with a weird face. Almost to say "Are you cheating the casino or something"? Anyway, I took all my money and got on the bus. I wasn't worried about getting robbed on the bus. I didn't tell anyone on the bus what happened and they were all old anyway. I did call a nice cab to get from the bus stop to home though.


I wanted to share my experience with you guys. I have been lurking this forum for a while and wish to become a member. I'm excited to join the community. After this happened, just a week ago, I'm left kind of in a daze. I want to go back to a Casino immediately. Did lightning strike or is it possible to make an income from the Casino? It's hard for me, because in one day at a Casino, I made more than I would have working 2 1/2 years straight at my job. Should I cut my losses and go back playing with a few hundred bucks? Move to high roller slots? Just quit all together? I don't really have friends that gamble so I don't want to ask them. Thanks for your input and let me know. I haven't quit my job, I'm actually here now.

ALSO
Are there any online Casino's that are trusted for play in the United States? I've heard horror stories so I want to try and find a trusted one.

Also, I have some pictures with the check and cash and stuff! They took some for me on my personal phone. I'll be happy to post some pictures when I come and check this next!
 
The odds of you ever winning that big again are astronomical; do yourself a favour and never go back! Invest the winnings quickly or just spend it on stuff that you want. The casino is not a way of making money long-term.

Congratulations on the win, you lucky git! :eek:
 
The odds of you ever winning that big again are astronomical; do yourself a favour and never go back! Invest the winnings quickly or just spend it on stuff that you want. The casino is not a way of making money long-term.

Congratulations on the win, you lucky git! :eek:

Lol! That's what I probably needed to hear! Thanks for the input.
 
Great story and great win!!! It sounds like the money really might help you to get on your feet and live life a little more comfortably.

Here is my advice, please read it very carefully and take it into consideration very seriously.

Gambling problems start just like this story. Unfortunately once they start, they are very difficult to overcome, and normally do not happen till you hit rock bottom. Some of your story sounds like the start of a possible problem. Basically it sounded like you were chasing wins and continuing to deposit. It might have been innocent enough with another $100, but then it become another $100 and next thing you know your money is all gone. With the large sum of money you have, it can turn into $1000 after $1000's until its gone. You may say to yourself "I would never lose it all back" but next thing you know it actually happens.

Have you ever seen any of the stories of how people winning large sums of money or lotteries are the worst thing that happened to them? Bad things happen, drugs, death, losing everything from so many different things. This happens if you do not respect what you were able to win.

You have mentioned that you have some difficult things happen in your life. Take this as a chance to get your head right. Whether you are religious or not, its almost like someone above was looking out for you. Do not betray this and turn gambling into a past time.

Forget the thrill of the win. You did awesome. Figure out a different hobby. I would not even gamble for entertainment purposes at this point. You make it sound like your job doesn't pay well, well you just earned some money towards retirement.

Forget online gambling, how about online video games or something. Black Ops2 is a sick game online.

I hope you do take some of this advice, but just so I can repeat myself again, DONT DO IT FORGET GAMBLING.
 
The odds of you ever winning that big again are astronomical; do yourself a favour and never go back! Invest the winnings quickly or just spend it on stuff that you want. The casino is not a way of making money long-term.

Congratulations on the win, you lucky git! :eek:

Toob ad he didnt see one of my posts about the lady who won $30,000 on her first ever trip to a casino.
In 2 years she was dead broke, lost her house , her husband and her kids.... She is probably hooking now to gwt cash for the casino looking for that miracle.

Those guys in Texas are really Lucky
 
Stovetopp,

Sad part is, casino isn't in Texas. Our state government wants to keep us pure and innocent so we don't have any casinos.

We just get to go spend our money in the other states bordering us. Aren't we lucky!



ACX7,

Congrats on your win. I really like Winstar casino.

Now, take your winnings and run far away from a casino, any casino - real or online. Buy you something nice and enjoy your winnings. :D
 
Great story and great win!!! It sounds like the money really might help you to get on your feet and live life a little more comfortably.

Here is my advice, please read it very carefully and take it into consideration very seriously.

Gambling problems start just like this story. Unfortunately once they start, they are very difficult to overcome, and normally do not happen till you hit rock bottom. Some of your story sounds like the start of a possible problem. Basically it sounded like you were chasing wins and continuing to deposit. It might have been innocent enough with another $100, but then it become another $100 and next thing you know your money is all gone. With the large sum of money you have, it can turn into $1000 after $1000's until its gone. You may say to yourself "I would never lose it all back" but next thing you know it actually happens.

Have you ever seen any of the stories of how people winning large sums of money or lotteries are the worst thing that happened to them? Bad things happen, drugs, death, losing everything from so many different things. This happens if you do not respect what you were able to win.

You have mentioned that you have some difficult things happen in your life. Take this as a chance to get your head right. Whether you are religious or not, its almost like someone above was looking out for you. Do not betray this and turn gambling into a past time.

Forget the thrill of the win. You did awesome. Figure out a different hobby. I would not even gamble for entertainment purposes at this point. You make it sound like your job doesn't pay well, well you just earned some money towards retirement.

Forget online gambling, how about online video games or something. Black Ops2 is a sick game online.

I hope you do take some of this advice, but just so I can repeat myself again, DONT DO IT FORGET GAMBLING.

Thanks for writing this and keeping it real. You're really right.. I was trying to chase a win the entire time. That's all I had on my mind when I got on my bike and started biking that long distance just to get to the bus stop. The thought of my life changing and the thrill of winning, etc etc. I haven't really thought of it like that.. To be honest, for the first time ever, I bought a scratch off lottery ticket. It was this morning and it was a 50$ scratch off. I didn't win anything, but, just looking back on today, that's really insane. It probably is the early steps of a gambling addiction.. I would have never wasted 50$ like that before. When your life changes in a few hours, and you realize you won more money in a few minutes than you would have in over 2 1/2 years working, I guess that *dream* to make more gets even bigger. The fact that it was so easy diluted my thinking into that it could happen again. Thanks for pointing that out - I'm either too ignorant or too blindsided to have not seen that on my own. I'm not going to go to back to a Casino. I'll recognize this as just a one time blessing.

And also, I'm doing online courses at a University while working the job. My job only pays around 45-50k/year (so no, it's not a lot of money). I do graduate in a few months though.
 
Hi Zac,

Congratulations on your win!:thumbsup:

The advice above is invaluable. Take that money and down your debt, if you have any.

This really is a warning to you and since you are only 22, please calm down from your high of winning before you decide to gamble.

College? House down-payment? Don't think you are a rock star because you are not, (Are you? lol ;))

Don't have regrets.:cool:

Congrats, again Zac.:)
 
Hi Zac,

Congratulations on your win!:thumbsup:

The advice above is invaluable. Take that money and down your debt, if you have any.

This really is a warning to you and since you are only 22, please calm down from your high of winning before you decide to gamble.

College? House down-payment? Don't think you are a rock star because you are not, (Are you? lol ;))

Don't have regrets.:cool:

Congrats, again Zac.:)

Thank you very much~~ I'm thinking about buying a car lol. I got a full ride to my school when I was 18! I'm not sure about a house. I have no idea how to manage money because the most I've ever had in my checking or saving was 2,500$ at one time. Lol. And no... I'm not a rockstar :p
 
Thank you very much~~ I'm thinking about buying a car lol. I got a full ride to my school when I was 18! I'm not sure about a house. I have no idea how to manage money because the most I've ever had in my checking or saving was 2,500$ at one time. Lol. And no... I'm not a rockstar :p

I don't want to burn your buzz but learn and get advice to manage your money.:cool:

Buy a geeeetar and become a rockstar!:D

Fast-forward your life, let's say 5 to 10 years from now,...what do you see and where do you see yourself?
 
I don't want to burn your buzz but learn and get advice to manage your money.:cool:

Buy a geeeetar and become a rockstar!:D

Fast-forward your life, let's say 5 to 10 years from now,...what do you see and where do you see yourself?

I'm trying! Lol and I understand. No buzz has been killed.

That's a very thought provoking question! I see myself with a lovely wife and two beautiful kids! I see a home that's dirty from the kids making a mess.. I see a job that I love dearly... I see my house in a nice suburban neighborhood right outside the city.. I see myself not in financial turmoil.

I don't have aspirations to fly on a G6 with two smokin' personal flight attendants. That's not me!
 
I'm trying! Lol and I understand. No buzz has been killed.

That's a very thought provoking question! I see myself with a lovely wife and two beautiful kids! I see a home that's dirty from the kids making a mess.. I see a job that I love dearly... I see my house in a nice suburban neighborhood right outside the city.. I see myself not in financial turmoil.

I don't have aspirations to fly on a G6 with two smokin' personal flight attendants. That's not me!

Your post makes me feel that are a pretty down to earth guy!:)<----so stay down to earth before you bet your life away.

Btw, smokin' flight attendants? I thought smoking was banned on flights?:p

How long is the check valid for? Did you deposit it? Hopefully you will get great advice from the bank manager on how to make it work longer for you.
 
Jesus Christ! Well done on your win. You will remain a winner for the rest of your life if you never go back. Online gaming is frustrating for the USA players and you are restricted to fairly crappy slots. Don't bother. Buy a flat/condo or something. Put it in shares via your bank so you can't withdraw it on a whim. Do anything but bet again, because it will only go one way. Only one thing is certain about luck - it will change.

Seriously buy a car, take a good holiday and invest the rest and forget about it, Cast it from your mind. You have a job, a decent income and that's how you live. Earning a good life through your work and qualifications has FAR more value and satisfaction or fulfilment than winning it. You are probably too young to know that yet, but that is a fact my friend!

Your life will go one of two ways now. Forward, as you were before you won, only with an investment behind you. Backwards, into gambling and losing your win, then debt and then despair as you try and chase it back.

PLEASE take the former path.
 
Your post makes me feel that are a pretty down to earth guy!:)<----so stay down to earth before you bet your life away.

Btw, smokin' flight attendants? I thought smoking was banned on flights?:p

How long is the check valid for? Did you deposit it? Hopefully you will get great advice from the bank manager on how to make it work longer for you.

Thank you, I appreciate that!! You do as well!!

No, no, no! Smokin' HOT. Smokin' as an adjective :p

I've been going to the same bank since I was 15 years old. I know all the tellers there and they know me on a first name basis. When I went there with my cash and check, everyone in the bank did a triple take at me! It was pretty awesome. I had to bring a form in to show that taxes were already claimed. For now, it's just in my Savings account! I don't know how long it would be valid for. I'm going to meet with a banking manager on Friday of this week! Maybe he will have some good ideas. Yesterday, the funds finally cleared in my account. My brother works for Fidelity investments. He lives a few hours away, but I'm going to meet with him too, hire him, and try to invest some money in very low-risk mutual funds. This is about as extensive as my knowledge goes though, lol.
 
Wow! What a fantastic night Zak, congrats with your awesome win!

Some sound advice was given here, you were extremely lucky - now run and never come back!
 
We have a lot of gamblers here, and few have won that kind of life-changing money.

Online gambling is fraught with difficulties for US players, both depositing and withdrawing.

Casinos make money, gamblers don't. You were very VERY lucky.

Go buy some kind of lock-down safe GIC for a three month term or so, and think hard about what you want to do with that money.

I'd spend some money to hire a financial/tax planner. Not the ones that offer "free" services, they are selling you something.

Edit: I see you have your brother, but consider consulting a second one anyway, and maybe some tax planning.

I'm a big believer in property ownership, but you are a young person just graduating school, you may not want to lock yourself into something if you think you may relocate. For a young single person, a duplex or triplex where you live in a unit and rent the other two out is often a good choice. Mind you, being a landlord is not without it's perils.

Take your time shopping for a car. Don't buy something extravagant, your insurance premiums with be too high. And prepay your insurance for a year. (Guess you've figured out that one already, lol).

Oh, and do something nice for your mom.;
 
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Well done on the win, one bit of advice, never double your blackjack bets after a loss, just bet what you can afford, doubling your bet is a surefire way to some big losses.
 
We have a lot of gamblers here, and few have won that kind of life-changing money.

Online gambling is fraught with difficulties for US players, both depositing and withdrawing.

Casinos make money, gamblers don't. You were very VERY lucky.

Go buy some kind of lock-down safe GIC for a three month term or so, and think hard about what you want to do with that money.

I'd spend some money to hire a financial/tax planner. Not the ones that offer "free" services, they are selling you something.

Edit: I see you have your brother, but consider consulting a second one anyway, and maybe some tax planning.

I'm a big believer in property ownership, but you are a young person just graduating school, you may not want to lock yourself into something if you think you may relocate. For a young single person, a duplex or triplex where you live in a unit and rent the other two out is often a good choice. Mind you, being a landlord is not without it's perils.

Take your time shopping for a car. Don't buy something extravagant, your insurance premiums with be too high. And prepay your insurance for a year. (Guess you've figured out that one already, lol).

Oh, and do something nice for your mom.;

I laughed out loud on the insurance comment. Ass, lol.

Why would you consider a different option than my brother? He works for Fidelity which is a really promising firm. I'm not going to ask him to work for free, he has a wife to support! I'm just curious what you meant by that comment.

Thanks for a bunch of this useful information. I was looking at used Honda Civic's. Bear in mind I am Jewish :p (No seriously, I am Jewish)
 
Congrats on the win - amazing! That will never happen to 99.99999% of gamblers so enjoy it but definitely heed the advice above :)

You know what I would do? I would pay off debts, buy a luxury item like the car, keep a few thousand aside and invest the rest in something solid that you can't touch like a 10-year investment plan or a pension or something. That way, if things go wrong down the line, or gambling grabs you again you have provided a safety net for your future. Boring? Yup. Sensible? Very.
 
I laughed out loud on the insurance comment. Ass, lol.

Why would you consider a different option than my brother? He works for Fidelity which is a really promising firm. I'm not going to ask him to work for free, he has a wife to support! I'm just curious what you meant by that comment.

Thanks for a bunch of this useful information. I was looking at used Honda Civic's. Bear in mind I am Jewish :p (No seriously, I am Jewish)

I deliver to Kiryas Joel, every day ( Monroe, NY)..Hybrids all over the place, to deliver RX's.;)
 
First of all, congratulations! What an amazing story! But I have to disagree with most comments here. Your best option will be to go back to that casino and put it all on red :thumbsup:

Seriously though, don't ever gamble again on such stakes. Either your friend was looking out for you "from above" or you got insanely lucky! In any case, it probably won't happen again. If it really were that easy, casino's wouldnt exist!
 
Zac, the only reason I suggested a second person was it's always wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Financial advice is just that, advice, and ultimately you are the one investing.

I don't know you, or your family. But it is often hard for family members to be completely impartial when it comes to how to spend your money. He might offer low-risk but low-return options, not wanting to see you lose any of it. An impartial stranger might offer a mix of higher risk higher return options and blue chips, based on your young age and earning potential.

If it was me and all that money, I'd visit more than one planner, and I'm not related to any planners.

One more free piece of advice: If you do consider buying property, remember the real estate agent works for the seller. Before signing an offer to purchase, have a lawyer review it. It will not cost you much, and might even be free if the lawyer thinks he will get your purchase business. A little difference like "Vendor will provide survey" versus "Vendor will provide survey acceptable to mortage company" could mean a $1500 or more difference.

You seem like a lucky young man, and you have a decent job and bright prospects. I am sure you will be wise with your money.

You are bound to get some return offers from the Casino. If you decide to let them wine and dine you, bring a limited bankroll and trusted friend to keep you in line.
 

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