Sunderland dad wins life-changing sum in casino poker game while celebrating his late father's birthday
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Michael Wharton, from Tunstall, scooped the life-changing prize on December 17 after taking part in a poker tournament at Sunderland’s Grosvenor Casino while out celebrating the birthday of his late dad, Michael Wharton Snr.
The 51-year-old took part in a poker tournament alongside his son, Mikey, however was knocked out early on but decided to take part in the casino’s National Bad Beat Jackpot.
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Hide AdBut now a delighted Michael has revealed what he is going to do with the money.
He said: "We were out celebrating my dad’s birthday, who died when he was 61 in 2009, when I got a call from my son inviting me down to the Grosvenor Casino to take part in a poker tournament.
"I wasn’t sure but my mum Kathleen said maybe dad would give me some luck and I am so glad I listened to her.
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Hide Ad“When we first saw the hand that I had, we didn’t really realise that we’d be in with a chance of winning the jackpot so I just couldn’t believe it when they told me that I had actually won £114,000.".
"It was only when the manager came over and told us that they would have to check to ensure that it was a legitimate hand and even then, we didn’t know then how much I had won.
“I’m going to buy a house with the winnings, but first I’m going to celebrate with a family trip to Las Vegas and Mexico – we’re just going to enjoy the money.”
On the same night, Adam Smith, who is also from Sunderland, took home £57,000 in winnings after beating Mickey with a straight flush.
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Hide AdMark Hunter, General Manager at Grosvenor Casino Sunderland, congratulated them both.
He said: “We are so pleased for Mickey and Adam who rounded out 2021 in the best possible way and won a life changing amount of money.
“We’re proud that this historic win took place in our casino, and we look forward to more to come.”