Paul Willie couldn't believe his luck when he won big on a mobile casino app. (BGLC)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

big win

Port Hardy man wins almost $600,000 while staying at Nanaimo hotel

Dec 15, 2022 | 10:31 AM

NANAIMO — A Port Hardy man found his fortune in the Harbour City.

Paul Willie was travelling down the Island when he stopped at a hotel in Nanaimo for the night and ended up winning almost $600,000 playing slots on his mobile phone.

Willie played the MegaJackpots Wolf Run slots game at BCLC’s PlayNow.com and hit the jackpot, awarding him a cool $588,376.64.

“I wasn’t quite sure what to think. I pressed the screen off and on again,” Willie laughed. “I thought it was a hoax!”

Once the win was verified, Willie reached out to his family to share the exciting news.

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“I was most excited to share the news with my children.”

He said he plans to buy a new vehicle with the money.

Willie’s windfall is another sizeable prize to lottery players on the mid-Island.

He’s one of over two dozen people to win $500,000 or more on tickets or games played in Nanaimo since 2012.

Profits from PlayNow.com benefit British Columbians through government investments and Community Gaming Grants program, which invests in education, healthcare, and community programs.

The program distributes $140 million annually to not-for-profit organizations.

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